1099 Tax Calculator
For freelancers, contractors and gig workers. See every tax on your 1099 income, how much of each payment to set aside, and what to pay each quarter.
Set aside about
19% of your profit
$9,732 total tax on $50,000 net profit
| Self-employment tax | $7,065 |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $2,667 |
| State & local income tax | $0 |
| Includes a QBI deduction of | $6,074 |
| Tax on your 1099 income | $9,732 |
Quarterly estimated payments
- Apr 15, 2026 $2,433 to the IRS + $0 to your state
- Jun 15, 2026 $2,433 to the IRS + $0 to your state
- Sep 15, 2026 $2,433 to the IRS + $0 to your state
- Jan 15, 2027 $2,433 to the IRS + $0 to your state
With a W-2 job, the amounts above are the extra tax caused by your 1099 income. The IRS payments also cover any shortfall in your job’s federal withholding.
Federal tax bracket 12%. Paying at least 100% of last year’s total tax in quarterly installments (110% if your income was over $150,000) protects you from IRS underpayment penalties.
What taxes do 1099 workers pay?
- Self-employment tax (15.3%). Social Security and Medicare, the parts an employer would normally share. Calculate it on its own.
- Federal income tax (10%–37%). Charged on your profit after half of the self-employment tax, the standard deduction and the QBI deduction.
- State income tax in most states. Nine states, including Texas and Florida, have no income tax on earnings. Compare states.
Gig work by app
Calculators with each app’s tax forms, deductions and mileage built in:
New client asking for your tax details? Fill out a W-9 online, sign it and download the PDF in a minute. Paying contractors yourself? Fill out a 1099-NEC for each of them.
How much to set aside at different incomes
| Net profit | Self-employment tax | Income tax | Total | Set aside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $4,239 | $942 | $5,181 | 17% |
| $50,000 | $7,065 | $2,667 | $9,732 | 19% |
| $75,000 | $10,597 | $4,898 | $15,495 | 21% |
| $100,000 | $14,130 | $8,235 | $22,365 | 22% |
| $150,000 | $21,194 | $16,413 | $37,608 | 25% |
Federal tax only, single filer, no W-2 job, standard deduction and QBI deduction. Add state tax where it applies.
Quarterly estimated taxes in 2026
Nobody withholds tax from 1099 payments, so the IRS expects you to pay four times a year if you’ll owe $1,000 or more. Payments for the 2026 tax year are due:
- April 15, 2026
- June 15, 2026
- September 15, 2026
- January 15, 2027
Pay online with IRS Direct Pay or your IRS account. Most states with an income tax have their own quarterly payments on similar dates.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I set aside for taxes on 1099 income?
For a single filer with no other income, about 19% of a $50,000 net profit covers federal self-employment and income tax in 2026. Between $30,000 and $150,000 of profit the federal share runs from about 17% to 25%; add more in states with an income tax.
How much tax do I pay on $50,000 of 1099 income?
About $9,732 in federal tax: $7,065 of self-employment tax and $2,667 of income tax, for a single filer with no business expenses. State tax is extra.
What is the QBI deduction?
The qualified business income (QBI) deduction lets most self-employed people deduct up to 20% of their business profit when working out income tax. In 2026 the full deduction applies below $201,750 of taxable income ($403,500 for married couples), and there is a $400 minimum if your business income is at least $1,000.
When are 2026 estimated tax payments due?
April 15, 2026, June 15, 2026, September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is due the next business day.
Do I need to pay quarterly taxes if I also have a W-2 job?
Possibly not. You can raise the federal withholding from your job (on a new Form W-4) to cover the tax on your side income instead of making quarterly payments.
Sources
- IRS: Estimated taxes
- IRS: Qualified business income deduction
- IRS Topic 554: Self-employment tax
- IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 brackets and thresholds)
Estimates only, not tax advice. The calculator assumes the standard deduction, no other income besides any W-2 job, and no tax credits. Your actual tax depends on your full return.
Built and checked by the WageSimply team, led by Engr. Zakir, an engineer and Google-certified data analyst. Updated for the 2026 tax year and last reviewed .