Freelance Tax Calculator
See your actual take-home pay after platform fees and taxes. Covers 7 countries.
Your Breakdown
Tax Notes for United States
- •Quarterly estimated taxes due: Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, Jan 15
- •Self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare)
- •Social Security tax applies to first $168,600 of income (2025)
Potential Deductions
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. It does not constitute tax advice. Tax laws are complex and change frequently. Always consult a qualified tax professional or accountant for advice specific to your situation.
How Freelance Taxes Work
As a freelancer, your tax situation is different from a traditional employee. You're responsible for paying both income tax and self-employment taxes (in countries that have them). Plus, platform fees from Upwork, Fiverr, and other marketplaces reduce your gross income before you even get to the tax calculation.
In the United States, freelancers pay a 15.3% self-employment tax on top of regular income tax. This covers Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%) — both the employer and employee portions. However, you can deduct 50% of your SE tax from your income, and the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction can reduce your taxable income by up to 20%.
Platform fees also significantly impact your take-home pay. Fiverr takes 20% of every order, while Upwork charges a variable fee typically around 10%. Direct clients have zero platform fees, which is why many experienced freelancers eventually transition to working directly with clients they've built relationships with.