US/UK Contractor Tax Estimator
Estimate how much you'll owe in self-employment taxes and income tax as a US or UK contractor, using 2026 US tax rates and 2026/27 UK figures. Quick, approximate results—100% in your browser.
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Income & Expenses
Total amount billed to clients before any deductions.
Deductible overhead, software, insurance, marketing, etc.
Your Results
Gross income
$80000.00
Gross profit (after expenses)
$68000.00
Self-employment tax
$9608.09
Income tax
$5403.51
Total tax
$15011.61
Net income after tax
$64988.39
Effective tax rate
18.8%
Monthly net income
$5415.70
Weekly net income
$1249.78
This calculator provides estimation only. All results are for reference purposes only and do not constitute professional tax, financial, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional for official financial decisions.
Estimating Your Self-Employment Taxes in the US & UK
Why Accurate Tax Estimation Matters
For independent contractors and freelancers, taxes are not deducted automatically the way they are for salaried employees. You are responsible for setting aside money for self-employment taxes and income tax throughout the year. Getting a rough estimate of what you will owe helps you price your work, budget for tax time and avoid a surprise bill at year end. This tool delivers that estimate instantly, entirely in your browser.
US Contractors: Self-Employment Tax & Federal Income Tax
US self-employed workers pay self-employment (SE) tax on top of income tax. For tax year 2026, SE tax covers Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%)—15.3% combined—calculated on 92.35% of your net profit. The Social Security part is capped once net self-employment earnings pass $184,500, and an additional 0.9% Medicare tax applies above $200,000 for single filers ($250,000 for married filing jointly).
This estimator then deducts half of your SE tax and your 2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly) before applying the 2026 federal income tax brackets, so you see both taxes and your resulting net income in one place. Results are an approximation—credits, the qualified business income deduction and state taxes are not modeled.
UK Contractors: Class 4 National Insurance & Income Tax
In the United Kingdom, self-employed contractors pay Class 4 National Insurance contributions and income tax on their profits. This estimator models a simplified Class 4 structure applied above the profit threshold, combined with the UK personal allowance and the basic and higher income tax bands. Switch regions at the top of the form and the results update immediately to the selected country.
How to Use This Tax Estimator
Choose your region, then enter your annual gross income and your deductible business expenses. The estimator subtracts expenses to find your gross profit, applies the relevant taxes, and reports gross income, profit, each tax line, total tax, net income and your effective tax rate. Adjust any value and the results recalculate live—no button to press. Use the results as a planning reference and confirm exact figures with a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about using this calculator.