Freelance 1099 Tax Withholding Calculator
Estimate self-employment tax, federal income tax, and quarterly estimated payments for freelancers and independent contractors.
Results
What is it?
For informational/educational purposes only. Not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for your situation. As a 1099 freelancer, no employer withholds taxes for you. You must pay self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare, 15.3%) plus estimated federal income tax quarterly to avoid IRS penalties.
How to use
Enter your total annual freelance net income, any additional W2 income, and your filing status. The calculator estimates your self-employment tax, approximate federal income tax, total tax liability, and how much to pay each quarter.
Example scenario
Maria earns $80,000 net from freelancing and files as Single. SE taxable income = $73,880; SE tax = $11,304; after the half-SE deduction, federal tax � $15,117; total tax � $26,421; quarterly payment � $6,605.
Pro tip
Pay quarterly estimates by the IRS deadlines (April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15) to avoid underpayment penalties. Track all deductible business expenses � every deduction reduces your SE income and cuts both SE and income taxes.