The freedom of self-employment comes with a catch nobody hands you in a welcome packet: you are now your own payroll department. No employer is quietly withholding taxes from each payment, which means the entire bill — and the discipline to save for it — is yours.
This guide breaks down exactly what you owe and when. Start with your number using the self-employment tax calculator.
Why withholding is suddenly your job
As a W-2 employee, taxes leave your paycheck before you ever see the money. As a 1099 contractor, the client pays you the full invoice — gross — and reports it to the IRS. The tax didn't disappear; it's just deferred to you. Spend it all and April becomes painful.
The self-employment tax (15.3%)
Employees and employers split FICA. When you're self-employed, you're both, so you pay the whole thing — that's the self-employment tax:
| Component | Rate | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 12.4% | Net earnings up to the wage cap |
| Medicare | 2.9% | All net earnings |
| Total | 15.3% | On 92.35% of net profit |
Income tax stacks on top
SE tax is separate from and in addition to regular income tax. Your net profit (minus half of SE tax and your deduction) runs through the same federal brackets everyone else uses, plus any state income tax. That's why a freelancer's total rate can feel steep — two taxes are layered.
The quarterly schedule
The IRS wants its money throughout the year, not in one April lump. Estimated payments are due roughly:
| Quarter | Covers income from | Typically due |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan–Mar | April 15 |
| Q2 | Apr–May | June 15 |
| Q3 | Jun–Aug | September 15 |
| Q4 | Sep–Dec | January 15 (next year) |
Miss them and you can face an underpayment penalty even if you pay in full by April. Dates shift slightly year to year — confirm the current deadlines.
Deductions that lower the bill
Every legitimate business expense reduces your net profit, which reduces both taxes. Common ones:
- Home-office costs (a dedicated workspace)
- Software, tools, and subscriptions
- Business mileage and travel
- Health insurance premiums (often deductible)
- A portion of your phone and internet
- Retirement contributions (SEP-IRA, Solo 401(k))
Keep clean records all year — see our piece on side-hustle taxes.
How much should you actually set aside?
Open a separate savings account and move a fixed share of every payment into it the day it arrives:
- Lower earners / no state tax: ~25%
- Middle earners: ~30%
- Higher earners / high-tax states: 35%+
Frequently asked questions
Get an instant estimate with the self-employment tax calculator.
How much should a freelancer set aside for taxes?
A common rule of thumb is 25–30% of net profit, rising to 35%+ for higher earners or those in high-tax states. Our calculator gives a tailored figure.
What is the self-employment tax rate?
15.3% — that's 12.4% Social Security (up to the wage cap) plus 2.9% Medicare. You can deduct half of it against your income tax.
Do I have to pay quarterly taxes?
Generally yes, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year. Missing the quarterly deadlines can trigger an underpayment penalty.