U.S. · Self-employed 2027
2027 self-employment tax calculator.
Estimate Schedule SE tax on freelance, gig or business profit using the 2027 Social Security wage base.
For 2027, self-employment tax is 15.3% of 92.35% of your net profit: 12.4% Social Security up to $192,300 of combined wages and net earnings, plus 2.9% Medicare on everything. A single filer with $100,000 of profit and no wages owes about $14,129.55, and half of that, $7,064.78, is deductible. Under $400 of net earnings, none is due.
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How 2027 self-employment tax is figured
- Multiply net profit by 92.35%. The IRS says the amount subject to self-employment tax is generally 92.35% of net earnings from self-employment.
- If the result is $400 or more, you owe the tax (Schedule SE instructions).
- Social Security: 12.4% of the result, but only up to $192,300 minus any W-2 wages that already used part of the base.
- Medicare: 2.9% of the whole result, with no cap.
- Deduct one-half of the total on Form 1040 when figuring adjusted gross income. It lowers income tax, not the self-employment tax itself.
- If the result is above your Additional Medicare threshold (less wages), 0.9% applies to the excess on Form 8959.
2027 examples, single filer, no wages
| Net profit | 92.35% of profit | Self-employment tax | Half deduction | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $23,087.50 | $3,532.39 | $1,766.19 | 14.1% |
| $50,000 | $46,175 | $7,064.78 | $3,532.39 | 14.1% |
| $75,000 | $69,262.50 | $10,597.16 | $5,298.58 | 14.1% |
| $100,000 | $92,350 | $14,129.55 | $7,064.78 | 14.1% |
| $150,000 | $138,525 | $21,194.32 | $10,597.16 | 14.1% |
| $200,000 | $184,700 | $28,259.10 | $14,129.55 | 14.1% |
| $250,000 | $230,875 | $30,540.58 | $15,270.29 | 12.2% |
The effective rate falls above about $208,000 of profit because the 12.4% Social Security part stops at $192,300 of net earnings. The most Social Security tax a self-employed person with no wages can owe is $23,845.20.
Worked example with wages
$300,000 of profit plus $100,000 of W-2 wages, married filing jointly. Net earnings are $277,050. Wages already used $100,000 of the base, so Social Security applies to $92,300: 12.4% × $92,300 = $11,445.20. Medicare: 2.9% × $277,050 = $8,034.45. Total: $19,479.65. Additional Medicare: the $250,000 joint threshold less $100,000 of wages leaves $150,000, so 0.9% × ($277,050 − $150,000) = $1,143.45.
This page does not estimate income tax, the qualified business income deduction or state taxes. For the reference table of all FICA numbers, see the 2027 FICA payroll tax rates page.
Sources
Primary sources opened and checked on November 1, 2026. Figures are for 2027 unless a source says otherwise.
Frequently asked questions
What is the self-employment tax rate for 2027?
15.3%: 12.4% Social Security on up to $192,300 plus 2.9% Medicare, applied to 92.35% of net earnings from self-employment.
What is the Social Security wage base for 2027?
$192,300, per the SSA notice of October 26, 2026. Wages and net self-employment earnings share it.
Can I deduct self-employment tax?
You can deduct one-half of it on Form 1040 when figuring adjusted gross income, per the IRS.
Do I owe self-employment tax on a small side income?
Only if net earnings from self-employment reach $400. Net earnings are 92.35% of profit, so the Schedule SE test is met at about $433 of profit.
Is Additional Medicare Tax part of self-employment tax?
No. It is a separate 0.9% tax reported on Form 8959, applied to earnings over $250,000 (joint), $125,000 (separate) or $200,000 (others), less wages already counted.
Not tax advice
This page is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Rules change and your facts may differ. Confirm anything that matters with the agency, a CPA or an enrolled agent before you act. Everything runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent anywhere.