Taxes work differently when you work for yourself
No one withholds tax from a freelancer's invoices. You pay income tax and self-employment tax yourself, in four estimated payments during the year, and you are responsible for claiming the deductions that lower both.
These calculators use the 2026 federal figures: income tax brackets, the $16,100 standard deduction for single filers, the $184,500 Social Security wage base, the 20% qualified business income deduction and this year's two mileage rates. Each page explains the rules behind the numbers, with a worked example and links to the IRS source.
Start here
- New to freelancing? Read how much to set aside for taxes.
- Paying this quarter? Use the quarterly estimated tax calculator and check the 2026 due dates.
- Setting your prices? Try the hourly rate calculator.
- Weighing a contract against a job? Use 1099 vs W-2.