Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Calculate your SE tax liability and quarterly estimated payments. Includes the 50% SE tax deduction and accounts for W-2 wages.
$120,000
$
$0
$
W-2 wages already subject to Social Security tax
$0
$
Quarterly Estimated Payment Schedule
| Quarter | Due Date | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Apr 15, 2025 | $8,276 |
| Q2 | Jun 16, 2025 | $8,276 |
| Q3 | Sep 15, 2025 | $8,276 |
| Q4 | Jan 15, 2026 | $8,276 |
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
SE Tax Estimate
$16,955
Self-Employment Tax
Net Earnings (92.35%)$110,820
Self-Employment Tax$16,955
SE Tax Deduction (50%)– $8,478
Federal Income Tax$16,149
Total Tax Liability$33,104
Effective Total Rate27.6%
Quarterly Payment$8,276
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Frequently Asked Questions
Self-employment tax covers Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%) taxes that would normally be split between employer and employee. As a self-employed person, you pay both halves — 15.3% total on 92.35% of net earnings.
For 2025, the Social Security wage base is $176,100. You pay the 12.4% Social Security portion only on the first $176,100 of combined wages and SE earnings. The 2.9% Medicare tax applies to all earnings with no cap.
Yes, you can deduct 50% of your self-employment tax as an above-the-line deduction on your Form 1040. This reduces your adjusted gross income (AGI) and therefore your income tax liability.
Q1: April 15, Q2: June 16, Q3: September 15, Q4: January 15 of the following year. Missing a payment may result in an underpayment penalty.
Potentially yes. With an S-Corp, only your 'reasonable salary' is subject to payroll tax (equivalent to SE tax). Profits above the salary are distributed as dividends, which are not subject to SE/FICA tax. Use our LLC vs S-Corp calculator to see your potential savings.