Why these give better answers
Most quick calculators multiply your income by one percentage. Freelance tax doesn't work that way. You pay self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of your profit, with the Social Security part capped at $184,500 of earnings in 2026) plus income tax at your bracket. Half the SE tax is deductible, and most freelancers also get the 20% qualified business income deduction. These calculators work through each of those steps for all four filing statuses.
Want it in a spreadsheet?
The same math comes as Excel and Google Sheets templates you keep all year: a quarterly tax estimator with a payment log, a bookkeeping workbook that totals your Schedule C, and a rate calculator with what-if tables. Or start with the free set-aside spreadsheet and deadline calendar.