Freelance calculator
What you really keep as a freelancer
Enter your hourly rate and choose your country. We apply the 2026 tax rules for self-employed people and show where every dollar goes: income tax, social security and the rest. Change any rate to match your own situation.
Gross income
$86,400
$7,200 per month
Total taxes and contributions
$18,218
Effective rate: 21.1%
Net income (take-home)
$68,182
$5,682 per month
Where your money goes
You keep 78.9% of your gross income
| Item | Per year | Per month | % of gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gross income | $86,400 | $7,200 | 100% |
| Income tax (Federal) | −$6,011 | −$501 | 7% |
| Self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare) | −$12,208 | −$1,017 | 14.1% |
| State / regional tax | −$0 | −$0 | 0% |
| Total taxes and contributions | −$18,218 | −$1,518 | 21.1% |
| Net income (take-home) | $68,182 | $5,682 | 78.9% |
Net per working hour: $47.35/h
Rules used: Sole proprietor (Schedule C)
Single filer, standard deduction $16,100, self-employment tax, 20% QBI deduction phased out like a specified-service business above ~$201,775 of taxable income. State tax is a flat % you set.
Tax year 2026 · Checked October 13, 2026 · Source: IRS
What this assumes
A single person with no dependents, no other income, no deductions beyond the ones named, and clients abroad, so VAT or sales tax is not charged. Rates are for the tax year shown.
This is an estimate for information, not tax advice. Rules change and depend on your situation: confirm with the tax authority or an accountant before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this calculator accurate?
- It applies the published 2026 rules for a single self-employed person. Real bills vary with deductions, regional rules, family situation and timing, so treat it as a planning estimate and confirm with a professional.
- Which currency are my earnings in?
- Most listings on SOJI pay in US dollars. Choose USD and the calculator converts to your local currency at the rate shown (you can edit it), then applies the local tax rules to the local amount.
- Why can I change the tax rates?
- Your situation may differ: another region, a special regime or a negotiated rate. Type any percentage and the net income updates straight away.
- Does it include VAT?
- No. If your clients are abroad, services are usually exempt or zero-rated, and VAT is not your income anyway. Check the rule for your country.