Find out what you actually keep from your freelance or gig income after platform fees and taxes. Supports US self-employment tax brackets and Indian IT slabs for 2026.
US freelancers pay self-employment (SE) tax of 15.3% on 92.35% of net profit, plus federal and state income tax. The total effective rate for a $50,000 freelancer is typically 25-35% depending on state.
Self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) paid by self-employed individuals. Employees only pay half because employers cover the other half. You can deduct half of SE tax from your taxable income.
Upwork charges 10% on earnings up to $10,000 per client, 5% above $10,000. For new freelancers, the rate starts at 13%. This calculator uses the standard 10% rate.
Fiverr takes 20% of every order as a service fee. On a $100 order, you keep $80 before taxes.
Enter your gross income, select your platform, filing status, and state. This calculator deducts platform fees, self-employment tax (15.3%), and estimated federal and state income tax.
Yes, freelancers pay the full 15.3% SE tax while employees only pay 7.65% — employers cover the other half. However, freelancers can deduct business expenses, half of SE tax, and home office costs.
In India, freelance income is taxed as "income from other sources" or "business income." Under the new regime (2024-25): 0% up to ₹3 lakh, 5% up to ₹7 lakh, 10% up to ₹10 lakh, and up to 30% above ₹15 lakh. Register for GST if annual income exceeds ₹20 lakh.