Independent Contractor Take-Home
Estimate your net income after 1099 self-employment taxes, federal, and state withholdings.
Quick FAQs
What is SE Tax?
The 15.3% tax that covers Social Security and Medicare for 1099 workers.
Are expenses deductible?
Yes, business costs reduce your net taxable profit.
How It Works
Our tool uses a simplified model of the IRS tax code to provide rapid estimates for planning purposes.
1. Income Entry
Enter your gross expected income and how often you get paid (weekly, monthly, or yearly).
2. Apply Deductions
Subtract your business expenses, insurance, and retirement to uncover your true taxable income.
3. Tax Simulation
We estimate SE Tax (15.3%), Federal, and State taxes using 2026 federal brackets and illustrative state assumptions.
Designed for the
New Economy
Working for yourself is freedom, but taxes are a headache. Whether you're a veteran freelancer or starting your first 1099 gig, clarity is your best friend.
- Independent Contractors (1099)
- Freelancers & Gig Workers
- Solo Entrepreneurs (LLC/Sole Prop)
Workers
Estimates
Results
Planning
Contractor Guides by State
Tax laws vary significantly across the US. View our local guides for freelancers and independent contractors in top states.
Frequently Asked Questions
A general rule of thumb is to set aside 25% to 30% of your net income for taxes. This covers self-employment tax (15.3%) plus federal and state income taxes. Our calculator provides a more specific 'Suggested Tax Savings' amount based on your unique data.
Yes, in many cases. Since you are both the employer and employee, you pay the full 15.3% self-employment tax. W-2 employees only pay 7.65% because their employer pays the other half. However, contractors can deduct many business expenses that W-2 employees cannot.
Yes, our calculator includes a toggle for the 15.3% Self-Employment (SE) tax. It's one of the biggest tax burdens for 1099 workers, so we factor it into the take-home pay estimate by default.
Absolutely! Business expenses like home office costs, equipment, software, and travel reduce your taxable income. You can enter your estimated expenses in the 'Business Expenses' field to see how they impact your final take-home pay.
No. This tool is for estimation and planning purposes only. Tax laws are complex and change frequently. You should always consult with a qualified CPA or tax professional for your specific situation.
It uses 2026 federal brackets with illustrative state assumptions. It does not model the qualified business income deduction, contribution eligibility or limits, or all special deductions. It also does not account for specific tax credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit), local city taxes, or detailed itemized deductions beyond what you enter manually.