Freelancer Calculator 2025
Calculate self-employed income, quarterly taxes, and business expenses for freelancers and independent contractors. Includes 1099 income analysis, self-employment tax calculations, and comprehensive business expense deductions for accurate net profit calculations.
Freelancer Calculator
Calculate self-employed income, taxes, and business expenses with quarterly tax estimates
Freelancer Tax & Business Information (2025)
Self-Employment Taxes (2025)
Self-Employment Tax Rate
Social Security (12.4%) + Medicare (2.9%)
Social Security Wage Base
Maximum earnings subject to SS tax
Additional Medicare Tax
On income over $200,000 (single)
SE Tax Deduction
Deduct half of SE tax paid
Business Expense Deductions
Home Office
Simplified method up to 300 sq ft
Business Meals
Deductible portion of business meals
Vehicle Expenses
2025 standard mileage rate
Equipment Depreciation
Up to $1,220,000 immediate deduction
Quarterly Tax Payments (2025)
Q1 Due Date
January - March income
Q2 Due Date
April - May income
Q3 Due Date
June - August income
Q4 Due Date
September - December income
Tax Planning Strategies (2025)
SEP-IRA Contributions
Contribute up to 25% of net self-employment earnings or $70,000 (whichever is less) to a SEP-IRA for significant tax deductions.
Home Office Deduction
Use the simplified method ($5 per square foot up to 300 sq ft) or actual expense method for home office deductions.
Vehicle Expense Tracking
Track business miles carefully. Use either standard mileage rate ($0.67/mile) or actual expense method for vehicle deductions.
Equipment Purchases
Take advantage of Section 179 deduction for immediate expensing of business equipment purchases up to $1,220,000.
Freelancer Income Examples (2025)
Web Developer
Profession: Freelance Web Developer
Annual Revenue: $120,000
Business Expenses: $18,000
Home Office: 200 sq ft
Income & Tax Breakdown
Freelance Writer
Profession: Content Writer
Annual Revenue: $65,000
Business Expenses: $8,500
Vehicle Miles: 5,000 business miles
Freelance Writer Taxes
Photographer
Profession: Wedding Photographer
Annual Revenue: $95,000
Equipment Purchases: $15,000
Other Expenses: $12,000
Photography Business
Marketing Consultant
Profession: Digital Marketing Consultant
Annual Revenue: $180,000
Business Expenses: $25,000
SEP-IRA Contribution: $38,750
High-Earning Freelancer
Frequently Asked Questions About Freelancer Taxes
Set aside 25-30% of your freelance income for taxes. This covers federal income tax, state tax (if applicable), and self-employment tax (15.3%). Higher earners should save 30-35% to account for higher tax brackets.
Pay quarterly taxes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes. Due dates are April 15 (Q1), June 16 (Q2), September 15 (Q3), and January 15 (Q4). Use Form 1040ES to calculate and pay estimated taxes.
Deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses: home office, equipment, software, internet, phone, vehicle expenses, professional development, business meals (50%), and supplies. Keep detailed records and receipts.
Yes, if your net self-employment earnings are $400 or more. Self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) on net earnings up to $168,600 (2025), plus 2.9% Medicare tax on all earnings above that.
Important Freelancer Tax Information
Freelancer tax calculations are complex and depend on individual circumstances, business structure, and applicable deductions. This calculator provides estimates based on 2025 tax rates and common deductions. Actual tax liability may vary based on total income, filing status, state taxes, and specific business expenses. Freelancers should maintain detailed records of all business income and expenses, make quarterly estimated tax payments, and consult with tax professionals for personalized advice. Self-employment tax applies to net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more. Consider retirement contributions (SEP-IRA, Solo 401k) and health insurance deductions for additional tax savings.