About TaxCadence

TaxCadence is a free estimated quarterly tax calculator built specifically for freelancers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and self-employed workers in the United States.

Paying estimated quarterly taxes is one of the most confusing parts of self-employment. The IRS 1040-ES worksheet is intimidating and state requirements vary wildly.

Most people either underpay and get hit with penalties, or overpay and lose cash flow they need for their business. TaxCadence exists to give you a clear, fast answer: how much do you owe this quarter?

What We Calculate

TaxCadence computes three components of your estimated tax obligation:

• Self-Employment Tax covering Social Security (12.4%, capped) and Medicare (2.9%, uncapped), calculated on 92.35% of net self-employment income
• Federal Income Tax using the current year's tax brackets and standard deduction for your filing status
• State Income Tax for all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, using each state's current rates

We also check the safe harbor rule to help you determine if your estimated payments will protect you from underpayment penalties.

Tax Year Coverage

TaxCadence currently supports tax years 2025 and 2026 with the latest published federal brackets, standard deductions, and state tax rates. Rates are updated when the IRS publishes new figures each fall.

Accuracy and Limitations

For straightforward freelance income scenarios, TaxCadence produces estimates very close to the IRS 1040-ES worksheet.

It does not currently account for itemized deductions, tax credits (child tax credit, earned income credit, etc.), capital gains, rental income, retirement contributions (SEP-IRA, Solo 401k), health insurance deductions, or multi-state income allocation.

Last Updated

Tax rates and brackets last verified: March 2026. Tax year 2026 brackets based on IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-XX.