Real progressive bracket math — not a flat-rate guess.
Uses approximate 2026 federal bracket thresholds and standard deductions, plus the real SE-tax-deduction mechanic. Figures are close estimates pending verification against official IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 tables — doesn't account for state tax, credits, QBI deduction, or itemizing. Not tax advice.
Most quick tax estimates use a flat percentage, which overstates what you actually owe. This calculator runs the real mechanics: self-employment tax at 15.3% of 92.35% of your net income, then a deduction for half of that SE tax, then your standard deduction, and only what's left gets taxed through the actual progressive federal brackets — where each dollar is taxed at the rate for its own bracket, not your whole income at your top rate.
State income tax, tax credits, the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, and itemized deductions aren't factored in here. If your situation involves any of those, treat this as a starting estimate and confirm with a tax professional or your own research before filing.