G
GigTax

Self-Employed Paycheck Calculator

Build the pay stub a 1099 payout never comes with: tax to set aside, cash business costs, and true take-home for 2026.

Nothing is withheld from self-employment pay, so the deposit always looks bigger than it is. Enter one typical payout and how often it lands to get your set-aside percentage and quarterly payment.

Your self-employed paycheck

A 1099 payout is not a paycheck — nothing is withheld, so the deposit overstates what you can actually spend. Enter one typical payout and how often it lands, and this builds the missing pay stub: tax to hold back, cash costs, and true take-home.

Mileage is a paper deduction — it lowers tax without leaving your bank account, so it is excluded from cash costs. The 2026 standard rate is $0.70 per mile.

Real take-home per payout
$1,147
Hold back for tax
$233
Set-aside percentage
15.5%

Your missing pay stub

Gross pay this period$1,500
Cash business costs− $120
Tax to set aside− $233
Take-home$1,147

Annualized picture

Gross income (26 periods)$39,000
Mileage deduction (10,400 mi)− $7,280
Other business expenses− $3,120
Net self-employment income$28,600
Self-employment tax (15.3%)$4,041
Federal income tax$1,048
CA state tax (est.)$975
Total annual tax$6,064
Quarterly estimated payment$1,381

Move the set-aside amount to a separate savings account the day each payout lands, then pay the IRS quarterly on 15 April, 15 June, 15 September, and 15 January. Educational estimates, not tax advice.

Frequently asked questions

How do I pay myself as a self-employed person?
A sole proprietor takes an owner's draw — you move money from business to personal funds. The draw isn't a deductible expense, and no tax is withheld, so you set aside taxes yourself.
How much of each payout should I keep for taxes?
A common rule is 25–30% of net profit, and higher if you're in a high-tax state or have other income. The calculator gives your real percentage instead of a rule of thumb.
Do self-employed people get a paycheck with withholding?
No. There is no employer withholding on 1099 income. You cover the same taxes through quarterly estimated payments on Form 1040-ES.
How do I turn annual tax owed into a per-paycheck number?
Divide your projected annual tax by how often you pay yourself, then park that amount in a separate tax savings account each time you get paid.
Can I deduct my owner's draw as a business expense?
No. Draws are not deductible. Your deduction comes from actual business expenses, which is why tracking mileage and supplies matters more than how you move the cash.
What if my income changes month to month?
Recalculate each quarter using year-to-date figures. The annualized income installment method on Form 2210 lets uneven earners avoid penalties from lumpy income.

Related calculators

Related blog posts