Thomas P.
Thomas P. is the editor of SelfEmployLab. He builds the site's calculators and writes its guides for freelancers, 1099 contractors and side-giggers, working directly from IRS and Social Security Administration publications rather than secondhand summaries. He is not a CPA or enrolled agent, so for decisions about your own return, talk to one.
Calculators
Self-Employment Tax Calculator 2026
Estimate the Social Security and Medicare tax you owe on freelance, 1099 and side-gig income — plus your quarterly payment and the deduction you get back.
CalculatorQuarterly Estimated Tax Calculator 2026
Work out your 2026 quarterly estimated tax payments — federal income tax plus self-employment tax — and the minimum that avoids an IRS penalty.
CalculatorHow Much to Set Aside for Taxes (1099 Calculator)
Get one percentage to save from every client payment so your federal, self-employment and state taxes are covered when they come due.
Calculator1099 vs W-2 Calculator: Compare Take-Home Pay
Compare a W-2 salary with a 1099 contract after federal tax, FICA and self-employment tax — and see the contract rate you need to break even.
CalculatorFreelance Hourly Rate Calculator
Find the minimum hourly rate that pays you the take-home income you want after self-employment tax, federal tax, expenses and unbillable time.
CalculatorHome Office Deduction Calculator
Compare the simplified and regular home office deduction methods and see which gives you the bigger deduction this year.
Guides
How to Pay Estimated Taxes Online (Step by Step)
Direct Pay, your IRS Online Account, EFTPS, card or check — how each works, and the details people get wrong.
2026 Mileage Deduction: Rates, Rules and Records
The IRS raised the business mileage rate mid-2026. Which rate to use, what counts as business driving, and what to log.
SEP-IRA vs Solo 401(k): 2026 Limits and Which to Choose
Both let the self-employed save far more than an IRA. 2026 limits, a side-by-side example, and how to choose.
The Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction, Explained
Who qualifies, what premiums count, and why this deduction cuts income tax but not self-employment tax.
S Corp vs LLC for Freelancers: When Does the Switch Pay Off?
An LLC is a legal structure; an S corp is a tax election. How the S corp saves self-employment tax, what it costs, and when it's worth it.
Tax Deductions Freelancers Often Miss
Business expenses lower both income tax and self-employment tax. A practical checklist of what freelancers can — and can't — deduct.
What Happens If You Miss a Quarterly Estimated Tax Payment
How the underpayment penalty is calculated, when you owe nothing, and the fastest ways to limit the damage.
1099-NEC vs 1099-K: What Freelancers Need to Know
Two forms, two thresholds, one income. How 1099-NEC and 1099-K differ for 2026 and how to avoid reporting the same money twice.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Side Hustle Income?
Yes — and often two taxes, not one. What you owe on side income, when a 1099 is (and isn't) sent, and how to pay during the year.