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Who this is for

  • People asking: “How much should I set aside?”
  • Anyone who needs a quick planning estimate before making a freelance decision.
  • People who want to compare two transparent sets of assumptions before committing money.

How to use this tool

  1. 1Enter your best current estimate for annual freelance profit, federal income tax estimate, state income tax estimate.
  2. 2Review the freelance tax set-aside calculator result and the assumptions behind it.
  3. 3Change one input at a time to compare a conservative and an optimistic scenario.

Companion guide

How Much Should a Freelancer Set Aside for Taxes?

A useful freelance tax reserve combines your federal estimate, state estimate, and self-employment tax. A flat 25% rule can be too low or unnecessarily high because profit, state rules, and other income all change the answer.

Read the guide →

Calculator FAQ

What does the freelance tax set-aside calculator estimate?+

Estimate how much of each freelance payment to reserve for taxes.

Are the results guaranteed?+

No. The result is an estimate based on the inputs and stated formula. Actual rates, terms, taxes, fees, and eligibility can change the outcome.

What should I do after getting a result?+

Use the result as a decision baseline, compare a second scenario, and confirm important tax, lending, or investment decisions with the appropriate qualified professional.

Can I share my scenario?+

Yes. The calculator keeps non-default inputs in the URL so a copied link recreates the same planning scenario.

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