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1099 Tax Calculator for Self-Employed

Estimate your federal income tax and self-employment tax as a 1099 contractor, and see how much your business mileage deduction is really worth.

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mi
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Business miles count toward your deduction. SUITE logs every trip automatically.
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YOUR ESTIMATE
Total tax owed
$0
Mileage deduction
$0
Federal income tax $0
Self-employment tax (SS & Medicare) $0
Net profit after mileage $0

This estimate uses 2026 federal tax brackets and the standard mileage rate. It does not include state income tax. This is not tax advice — please consult a licensed tax professional for your specific situation.

HOW THE MATH WORKS

Self-employment tax comes first

Only 92.35% of your net profit is subject to self-employment tax. That portion pays 12.4% Social Security up to the $184,500 wage base, plus 2.9% Medicare with no cap — 15.3% combined. The calculator applies exactly this, in this order.

Half of that tax is deductible

Half of your self-employment tax comes back off your income before federal tax is figured. Miss this and you will overestimate what you owe — it is one of the most commonly skipped steps.

Then the standard deduction and the brackets

The calculator subtracts the 2026 standard deduction — $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household — then walks the seven federal brackets from 10% to 37%. It does not model state income tax.

Mileage is a real deduction, not a rebate

Business miles reduce your net profit at $0.725 per mile before any tax is calculated, so they cut both self-employment tax and federal tax. Logging them is usually the single largest deduction a solo contractor has.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Why is my 1099 tax higher than when I was on payroll?

On payroll your employer paid half of Social Security and Medicare for you. Self-employed, you pay both halves — that is the 15.3% self-employment tax, on top of federal income tax.

Do I have to pay quarterly?

Generally yes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year. This calculator gives you an annual figure; divide it across the four estimated-payment periods to see roughly what each one should be.

Does this include state tax?

No. It calculates federal income tax and self-employment tax only. State rules vary too much to fold into one number honestly, so it does not try.

Is this tax advice?

No. It is an estimate to help you plan and set money aside. Confirm your actual filing with an accountant or tax professional.

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Subcontractors Mileage Tracker Accounting Reports & Exports

Track every mile. Never guess at tax time.

SUITE logs your trips, tracks your 1099 subcontractors, and keeps your books ready for tax season — all in one app.

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