Self-employed tax · Upwork, Fiverr, Toptal, direct clients

Freelancers & 1099 contractors tax calculator (2026)

Estimate 2026 federal tax for 1099 contractors and freelancers, including the QBI deduction, SE tax and each quarterly payment.

Checked against official sources on September 24, 2026 · Sources

Gross self-employment income

$

What you were paid before fees and expenses.

Business expenses

$

W-2 wages from a job

$

Deductions to track

Equipment and software

Computers, monitors, subscriptions and tools used for client work.

Home office

A space used regularly and only for work. Use the simplified or regular method.

Health insurance and retirement

Self-employed health insurance and SEP or solo 401(k) contributions reduce income tax. Enter them under adjustments.

Platform fees

Marketplace service fees and payment-processing costs.

Good to know

Specified service businesses

Consulting, health, law, accounting, financial services, performing arts, athletics and businesses built on personal reputation are “specified service” businesses. That only matters for the QBI deduction once taxable income is above $201,750 ($403,500 joint). Source

Form 1099-NEC

Clients report payments of $2,000 or more to you on Form 1099-NEC starting with 2026 payments (it was $600). You owe tax on all income either way. Source

Freelancers & 1099 contractors tax questions

What percentage should a 1099 contractor set aside for taxes?

It depends on your income and deductions. The calculator shows the tax on each extra dollar you earn (federal, plus state if you enter a rate), which is the safest amount to set aside from each invoice.

Sources

All figures on this page were checked against these sources on September 24, 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us.