1099TaxCalcUSA — bald eagle logo 1099TaxCalcUSA Tax Year 2026 · Free · No Signup
Form 1099-NEC · Self-Employed

How much should you set aside for taxes?

Enter what you earned from freelancing, Uber, DoorDash or any 1099 work. We'll estimate your 15.3% self-employment tax — plus California state income tax if that's where you work — and the amount to save for tax season. Instantly, right here.

Your Numbers OMB No. — none. It's just math.
$
Total 1099 payments before any expenses.
$
Mileage, phone, supplies, software — anything deductible.
Self-employment tax is federal — this only changes the state income tax line.

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1099 Taxes, Answered

Short, direct answers to the questions every independent contractor asks.

What is the 1099 self-employment tax rate?

The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%. It covers Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%), and it applies to 92.35% of your net earnings. It's federal — the same in all 50 states.

How much should I set aside for taxes as a 1099 contractor?

Set aside 25% to 30% of your net profit for federal taxes. In California, plan for 30% to 35%, because state income tax of 1%–12.3% applies on top of the federal bill.

Do 1099 contractors in California pay state income tax?

Yes. California taxes self-employment profit under its regular brackets, from 1% up to 12.3%. There's no separate California self-employment tax — but the federal 15.3% still applies in full.

Do Uber and DoorDash drivers pay self-employment tax?

Yes. Rideshare and delivery drivers are independent contractors. If your net earnings reach $400 or more in a year, the IRS requires the 15.3% self-employment tax — plus state income tax where it applies.

Can business expenses reduce my 1099 taxes?

Yes. Deductible expenses — mileage, phone, supplies, software — lower your net profit. Both federal self-employment tax and California state tax are calculated on that smaller net amount.

When are quarterly estimated taxes due?

Estimated payments are due four times a year: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. California expects quarterly payments to the FTB on a similar schedule.