Published July 2, 2026 · Updated July 2, 2026
In 2026, self-employment tax is 15.3% of 92.35% of net earnings: 12.4% for Social Security up to a $184,500 wage base, plus 2.9% for Medicare with no cap, per the SSA's 2026 COLA fact sheet (published October 24, 2025) and IRS Schedule SE. Self-employed people earning above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly) also owe an Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% on the excess, per IRS Form 8959. These are the same constants built into this site's calculators; the table below breaks them out and the worked-example table shows the resulting SE tax at several income levels.
How much is self-employment tax in 2026?
| Component | Rate | Applies to | 2026 threshold | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security (OASDI) | 12.4% | Net earnings up to the wage base | $184,500 | SSA 2026 COLA fact sheet, Oct 24, 2025 |
| Medicare (Hospital Insurance) | 2.9% | All net earnings, no cap | n/a | IRS Schedule SE |
| Standard SE tax total | 15.3% | 92.35% of net earnings | n/a | IRS Schedule SE instructions |
| Additional Medicare Tax | 0.9% | Earnings above the threshold | $200,000 single / $250,000 MFJ | IRS Form 8959 |
| Net earnings factor | 92.35% | Applied to net profit before the rate | n/a | IRS Schedule SE instructions |
Worked SE tax examples by net profit
The table below applies the constants above to sample net-profit levels for a single filer, using this site's own calculator model (the same formula that powers the Self-Employment Tax Calculator). Full figures, including the deductible half, are in the downloadable CSV.
| Net profit | Taxable base (92.35%) | Social Security | Medicare | Addl. Medicare | Total SE tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $36,940 | $4,581 | $1,071 | $0 | $5,652 |
| $80,000 | $73,880 | $9,161 | $2,143 | $0 | $11,304 |
| $120,000 | $110,820 | $13,742 | $3,214 | $0 | $16,955 |
| $200,000 | $184,700 | $22,878 | $5,356 | $0 | $28,234 |
| $250,000 | $230,875 | $22,878 | $6,695 | $278 | $29,851 |
Download the full CSV (eight income levels, including the deductible half of SE tax at each level).
Methodology
These figures come from two places: the 15.3% rate, the 92.35% net-earnings factor, and the Additional Medicare Tax rule are fixed by IRS Schedule SE and IRS Form 8959; the $184,500 Social Security wage base is set annually by the Social Security Administration and is taken from the SSA's 2026 COLA fact sheet, published October 24, 2025. The worked examples apply those constants with this site's calculator formula: taxable base = net profit × 92.35%; Social Security = min(base, $184,500) × 12.4%; Medicare = base × 2.9%; Additional Medicare Tax = (base − threshold) × 0.9% where base exceeds the single-filer threshold of $200,000. This page will be updated if the Social Security wage base or SE tax rules change for a future year.
This reference is a planning tool, not tax advice. Actual liability depends on your full tax situation, filing status, and state taxes. Consult IRS.gov (Schedule SE) or a licensed tax professional for guidance specific to your circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the $184,500 wage base come from?
It is the Social Security Administration's 2026 taxable maximum, published in the SSA's 2026 COLA fact sheet on October 24, 2025. The Social Security portion of SE tax (12.4%) stops once your net earnings for the year cross this figure; Medicare (2.9%) keeps applying with no cap.
Why isn't state tax included in this table?
SE tax is a federal tax under IRS Schedule SE and does not vary by state. State income tax is a separate obligation on top of it and varies by state; this reference covers the federal SE tax only.
Does this table include federal income tax?
No. This table covers self-employment tax only, the Social Security and Medicare portion. Federal income tax is calculated separately on the same net income; use the 1099 Tax Calculator for the combined total.
Related tools
- Self-Employment Tax Calculator: your SE tax and the deductible half.
- 1099 Tax Calculator: SE tax plus federal income tax combined.
- Quarterly Tax Calculator: your estimated quarterly payments.
- The Complete Guide to Self-Employment Tax