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Self-Employment Tax Calculator
What is the Self-Employment Tax?
Self-employment tax consists of Social Security and Medicare taxes for individuals who work for themselves. Employees who receive a W-2 only pay half of the total Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) taxes, while their employer is responsible for paying the other half. Self-employed individuals are responsible for paying both portions of the Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%) taxes.
Do I have to pay Self-Employment Tax?
If you (1) are self-employed as a sole proprietorship, an independent contractor or freelancer and (2) earn $400 or more, you may need to pay SE tax. This is true even if you are paid in cash and do not receive a 1099-MISC. Keep in mind, you may be able to offset this income if you have qualifying expenses.
Self-Employment Tax Calculation
Examples of Self-Employment
The TaxAct Self-Employment Calculator is a helpful tool for various individuals and scenarios, especially those who are self-employed or have income from freelance work. Here are some examples of people who might find this calculator useful:
Self-Employed Individuals: Self-employed individuals, including freelancers, independent contractors, and sole proprietors, can use this calculator to estimate their tax liability. They may have income from various sources and need to calculate their self-employment tax and income tax.
Small Business Owners: Owners of small businesses who file their taxes as self-employed can use the calculator to determine their estimated tax liability. This includes businesses such as freelancers, consultants, and gig economy workers.
Independent Contractors: Independent contractors working in fields such as construction, real estate, or consulting can use the calculator to get an estimate of their self-employment taxes and plan for their tax payments accordingly.
Sole Proprietors: Sole proprietors who run their businesses as individuals, without forming a separate legal entity like an LLC or corporation, can calculate their estimated taxes using this tool.
Freelance Workers: Freelancers in various fields, such as graphic designers, writers, photographers, and web developers, can use the calculator to estimate their tax liability on income earned from freelance projects.
Consultants: Independent consultants who provide services in areas such as management, finance, marketing, or technology can use the calculator to project their self-employment taxes.
Uber/Lyft Drivers: Ride-share drivers who work as independent contractors for companies like Uber or Lyft can use the calculator to estimate their self-employment taxes on their ride-share earnings.
Etsy or eBay Sellers: Individuals who sell products on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon as a side business or as their primary source of income can use the calculator to understand their tax obligations.
Part-Time Business Owners: Individuals who run small businesses on a part-time basis alongside their regular jobs can benefit from the calculator to determine their overall tax situation.
Single-Member LLC Owners: Owners of single-member limited liability companies (LLCs) who elect to be taxed as sole proprietors can use the calculator to estimate both self-employment and income taxes.
Tax Planning: Anyone interested in tax planning can use the calculator to explore different income scenarios and make informed decisions about their self-employment income and deductions.
The TaxAct Self-Employment Calculator helps these individuals and others like them make informed financial decisions by providing estimates of their self-employment taxes, income taxes, and potential deductions, allowing for better financial planning throughout the year.
This is for informational purposes only and not legal or financial advice.
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