Calculate your complete self-employment tax liability including Social Security, Medicare, income tax, and the Qualified Business Income deduction.
How Self-Employment Tax Works
Self-employment tax consists of:
- Social Security tax: 12.4% on net earnings up to $176,100 (2025)
- Medicare tax: 2.9% on all net earnings
- Additional Medicare tax: 0.9% on earnings over $200,000
The SE tax is calculated on 92.35% of your net self-employment income.
Schedule SE Components
Social Security (FICA)
- Rate: 12.4%
- Wage base: $176,100 for 2025
- Both employer and employee portions combined
Medicare
- Rate: 2.9% (no cap)
- Additional 0.9% for high earners
Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction
The 20% QBI deduction allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income. Eligibility depends on:
- Taxable income below $191,950 (single) or $383,900 (married)
- Business type (pass-through entities)
- W-2 wages and property in the business
Quarterly Estimated Taxes
As a self-employed individual, you typically need to make quarterly estimated tax payments:
- April 15
- June 15
- September 15
- January 15 (next year)