Schedule SESelf-Employment Tax
Calculates the 15.3% Social Security + Medicare tax that self-employed individuals owe on their net earnings.
Who needs to file this form
You must file Schedule SE if your net self-employment income was $400 or more during the year. This applies to freelancers, contractors, sole proprietors, gig workers, and partners in a partnership. W-2 employees don't file this -- their employer handles FICA.
Key Deadlines
File with your Form 1040
April 15, 2027
Make quarterly estimated payments covering SE tax
Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, Jan 15
Step-by-Step Filing Guide
Start with net profit from Schedule C
Your net self-employment earnings from Schedule C (Line 31) flow to Schedule SE. If you have multiple Schedule C businesses, combine the net profits/losses.
Multiply by 92.35%
You only pay SE tax on 92.35% of net earnings. This adjustment accounts for the employer-equivalent portion of the tax. On $100,000 profit, SE tax applies to $92,350.
Apply Social Security and Medicare rates
Social Security tax: 12.4% on earnings up to $184,500 (2026 wage base). Medicare tax: 2.9% on all earnings, plus an additional 0.9% on earnings over $200,000 (single). Combined base rate: 15.3%.
Calculate the deductible half
You can deduct half of your SE tax as an above-the-line deduction on Schedule 1. On $15,300 of SE tax, that's a $7,650 deduction from your AGI -- reducing your income tax as well.
Related Forms
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