1099 Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator
Example: Expected annual net profit: 70000 $ · Your income tax rate: 15 %
| Quarterly payment to set aside | $4,912 |
| Total annual tax | $19,649 |
| Self-employment tax | $9,891 |
Worked example
On $70,000 of net profit, self-employment tax applies to 92.35% of it — about $64,645 — at 15.3%, which is roughly $9,891. You can deduct half of that ($4,946) before figuring income tax, so income tax at 15% applies to about $65,054, adding roughly $9,758. Total annual tax is about $19,649, which means setting aside about $4,912 each quarter. Freelancers who fail to reserve this are the ones blindsided every April.
Frequently asked questions
What is self-employment tax and why is it so high?
Self-employment tax is the Social Security and Medicare contribution that a W-2 employee splits with their employer. As your own boss you pay both halves, a combined 15.3% on most of your net earnings. You do get to deduct half of it when figuring income tax, which this calculator accounts for.
When are quarterly estimated taxes due?
The IRS sets four deadlines, roughly in April, June, September, and the following January. Missing them or underpaying can trigger an underpayment penalty even if you settle up in April, so paying the estimated amounts on schedule matters, not just paying the total eventually.
What income tax rate should I enter?
Use your expected effective federal rate plus any state income tax rate, not your top bracket. Because the standard deduction and lower brackets apply first, a solo freelancer's effective income tax rate is often in the low-to-mid teens on top of the flat self-employment tax figured here.
Can I lower these payments with deductions?
Yes. Your net profit is revenue minus legitimate business expenses — software, equipment, home office, mileage, and a retirement plan contribution such as a SEP-IRA or solo 401(k). Lowering net profit lowers both the self-employment and income tax, so track expenses carefully all year.