Freelancer Tax Set-Aside Calculator

Short answer: move 25–35% of every invoice into a separate tax account the day it lands — 30% is the safe default for most US freelancers.

Adjust freely. Below: auto-calculate it from your expected annual profit.

Auto-calculate my rate from annual profit (optional)

Move to tax account now $750.00 30% of this invoice
Safe to spend
$1,750.00
Next quarterly deadline
—

My 2026 tally

  • No invoices logged yet. Saved in this browser only.

Set aside so far: $0.00 · Invoices: 0

Why per-invoice beats per-year

Annual tax calculators tell you a big scary number in April. This one builds the habit that actually prevents the panic: the moment money lands, a slice leaves your spending account. Set the rate once from your annual profit, then every invoice is a two-second decision — move $750.00, spend the rest.

2026 US quarterly deadlines

  • Q1 (Jan 1 – Mar 31) → April 15, 2026
  • Q2 (Apr 1 – May 31) → June 15, 2026
  • Q3 (Jun 1 – Aug 31) → September 15, 2026
  • Q4 (Sep 1 – Dec 31) → January 15, 2027

If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it shifts to the next business day. Miss a quarter and the IRS can charge an underpayment penalty — the rate resets quarterly, so check the current one on irs.gov rather than trusting a fixed figure.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I set aside for taxes as a freelancer?
The standard rule of thumb is 25–35% of each payment: around 25% if your profit is modest, 30% for most freelancers, and 35% or more at higher incomes. Use the auto-calculate option above for a rate matched to your actual profit and filing status.
Should I set aside taxes on gross income or net profit?
Set aside on the gross invoice amount the day it lands — it is simple and keeps you safe. Your true liability is on net profit (after expenses), so you will usually have a little extra left over at filing time. Think of the surplus as a buffer, not a bonus.
When are the 2026 quarterly estimated tax payments due?
April 15, June 15, and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. You generally need to pay quarterly if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax after withholding and credits.
What happens if I miss a quarterly estimated payment?
You may owe an underpayment penalty, which the IRS sets at a rate that changes quarterly. Paying at least 90% of this year’s tax — or 100% of last year’s (110% at higher incomes) — through the year keeps you in the “safe harbor” and avoids the penalty.
Where should I keep the money I set aside for taxes?
In a separate bank account you do not touch for spending, moved the same day the invoice is paid. The separation is the whole trick — out of sight, out of the budget.

Related: QBI deduction estimator  ·  Hourly rate calculator  ·  Profit-first budgeting for freelancers

Please note: Estimates only, for planning purposes — not professional tax advice. Tax situations vary; consult a qualified tax professional (CPA) before filing or making estimated payments. Figures use 2026 US federal rules.