2026 self-employment tax rate and Social Security wage base
Short answer: The 2026 self-employment tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare), applied to 92.35% of net self-employment earnings. The Social Security part stops at the 2026 wage base of $184,500 (SSA); Medicare has no cap, and an extra 0.9% applies above $200,000 single / $250,000 married filing jointly.
2026 self-employment tax at a glance
| Social Security (OASDI) | 12.4% up to $184,500 |
| Medicare (HI) | 2.9%, no cap |
| Additional Medicare tax | 0.9% above $200,000 single / HoH, $250,000 MFJ, $125,000 MFS |
| Share of profit taxed | 92.35% |
| Minimum net earnings | $400 |
Formula
SE tax = 12.4% × min(0.9235 × profit, $184,500) + 2.9% × 0.9235 × profit. If you also have W-2 wages, those wages use up part of the $184,500 Social Security base first.
Examples (2026, no W-2 wages)
| Net profit | Social Security | Medicare | Total SE tax | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $3,435 | $803 | $4,239 | 14.1% |
| $50,000 | $5,726 | $1,339 | $7,065 | 14.1% |
| $75,000 | $8,589 | $2,009 | $10,597 | 14.1% |
| $100,000 | $11,451 | $2,678 | $14,130 | 14.1% |
| $150,000 | $17,177 | $4,017 | $21,194 | 14.1% |
| $200,000 | $22,878 | $5,356 | $28,234 | 14.1% |
| $250,000 | $22,878 | $6,695 | $29,573 | 11.8% |
Excludes the 0.9% Additional Medicare tax, which is figured separately on Form 8959.
Sources
- SSA: Contribution and benefit base ($184,500 for 2026)
- IRS: Self-employment tax
- IRS: Additional Medicare Tax Q&A
Estimate your full 2026 tax bill with the freelance tax calculator.
FAQ
What is the self-employment tax rate for 2026?
The 2026 self-employment tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare), applied to 92.35% of net self-employment earnings. The Social Security part stops at the 2026 wage base of $184,500 (SSA); Medicare has no cap, and an extra 0.9% applies above $200,000 single / $250,000 married filing jointly.
What is the 2026 Social Security wage base?
$184,500, set by the Social Security Administration. Self-employment earnings above it are not subject to the 12.4% Social Security portion.
Is half of self-employment tax deductible?
Yes. You deduct half of your self-employment tax when calculating adjusted gross income for income tax. It does not reduce the self-employment tax itself.
When do you owe self-employment tax?
When net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more for the year.
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