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What will taxes look like in your first year?
Self-employment tax surprises most new business owners. Enter your expected revenue and expenses to see your full tax bill — income tax, self-employment tax (SE tax), and how to break it into quarterly payments.
2026 rates · Illustrative estimate · Not tax advice
Your best honest estimate — use a conservative number
Pure service businesses: 10–25%. Product businesses: 40–70%. Don't include owner pay here.
Projected income
Self-employment tax
$8,478
15.3% on net earnings
Federal income tax
$4,511
After standard deduction
Estimated first-year tax bill
$12,989
Effective rate on profit: 21.6%
What to save
Per month
$1,082
Per quarter
$3,247
Move this to a dedicated savings account every time you get paid. Don't touch it.
Estimates only. Uses 2025 federal tax brackets and standard deduction. Excludes state taxes, QBI deduction, retirement contributions, and other adjustments. Partial-year calculations use prorated annual figures. Not tax advice — consult a CPA before making financial decisions.
Read next
The First-Year Business Owner's Tax Guide
What self-employment tax is, how quarterly estimates work, the business foundation steps that protect you from April surprises, and the deductions available from day one.
Tax planningSelf-Employment Tax Explained: Rates, Calculation, and How to Reduce It
Self-employment tax is 15.3% on net profit — on top of income tax. How SE tax is calculated, what the deductible half actually saves, and the three ways to reduce it.
Tax planningHow to Pay Quarterly Taxes as a Small Business Owner
What estimated taxes are, when they're due, and how to avoid surprise bills by saving the right amount throughout the year.
Tax deductionsWhat Counts as a Business Write-Off?
The ordinary-and-necessary standard, common deductible expenses, and why personal charges don't become write-offs just because they clear the business account.