How much should I set aside for taxes as a gig worker?

Most gig workers should set aside 25-30% of their gross income for federal taxes. This covers both self-employment tax (15.3%) and federal income tax. Your actual rate depends on your total income, deductions, and filing status.

Do I have to pay quarterly taxes if I am a gig worker?

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year, the IRS requires you to make quarterly estimated tax payments. These are due on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.

What is the self-employment tax rate for 2026?

The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%, which covers Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%). You pay this on 92.35% of your net self-employment income.

What expenses can gig workers deduct?

Gig workers can deduct mileage (67 cents per mile in 2026), phone bills, supplies, equipment, parking, tolls, platform fees, and home office expenses. Keep detailed records and receipts.

Do I need to file taxes if I made less than $600?

Yes. The $600 threshold only determines whether platforms send you a 1099. You must report all income regardless of amount. If net self-employment income is $400+, you must file.

Free Gig Worker Tax Tools & Guides 2026

Calculate your taxes, track deductions, and stay compliant with the IRS. Built for Uber, DoorDash, Instacart drivers, freelancers, and all 1099 workers.

15.3% SE Tax Rate

67¢ per Mile (2026)

Updated for 2026

Most Used Free Tools

Gig Worker Tax Calculator

Estimate your total federal tax liability including SE tax and income tax

Quarterly Tax Calculator

Calculate quarterly estimated payments to avoid IRS penalties

Mileage Deduction Calculator

Calculate your 2026 mileage deduction at 67¢ per mile

Self-Employment Tax Calculator

Calculate the 15.3% SE tax on your net self-employment income

1099 Income Calculator

Aggregate income from multiple gig platforms

State Tax Calculator

Estimate state income tax in addition to federal taxes

Tools by Category

Platform Tax Guides

State Tax Guides

IRS Forms & Rules

2026 Tax Year Key Data

Updated Regularly

15.3%

SE Tax Rate

67¢

Mileage Rate

$15,000

Standard Deduction (Single)

$600

1099-K Threshold

Guides & Resources

How Gig Workers File Taxes

Step-by-step filing guide

Gig Worker Tax Deductions

Maximize your deductions

Quarterly Estimated Taxes

Avoid IRS penalties

Self-Employment Tax Guide

Understand the 15.3% SE tax

Record Keeping Tips

Stay organized year-round

Tax Glossary

Key tax terms explained

Frequently Asked Questions

50,000+

Gig Workers Helped

$2.3M+

Tax Savings Calculated

4.9/5

Average Rating

2026

IRS Rates Updated

What Gig Workers Say About Us

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"This calculator saved me from underpaying my quarterly taxes. I was setting aside 15% - turns out I needed 28%! Avoided a huge penalty."

Marcus T.

DoorDash Driver, Atlanta

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Finally a tax calculator that actually understands gig work. The mileage deduction calculator alone saved me $2,400 on my taxes."

Sarah K.

Uber Driver, Los Angeles

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I've used TurboTax for years but never understood my gig taxes. This site explained everything in plain English. Highly recommend!"

James R.

Instacart Shopper, Houston

📊 Case Study: DoorDash Driver Saves $2,400

Marcus drives 30 hours/week for DoorDash in Atlanta. He didn't track mileage his first year and overpaid taxes.

Annual Income

$45,000 gross

Deductible Expenses

$12,000 (mileage + phone + supplies)

Result: Net profit of $33,000. SE tax: $4,658. Federal tax: $1,890. Total: $6,548

💰 Tax Savings: $2,400 vs not tracking mileage

👨‍💼

Written by the Tax Expert Team

Credentials: IRS Enrolled Agents • Certified Tax Preparers • 15+ Years Combined Experience

Our team specializes in self-employment and gig economy taxes. We've helped thousands of Uber drivers, DoorDash Dashers, and freelancers save money on their taxes. All calculators are reviewed for accuracy against current IRS guidelines.

✅ IRS-Accurate Calculations✅ Updated for 2026✅ Trusted by 50,000+ Gig Workers

Ready to Calculate Your Taxes?

Use our free gig worker tax calculator to estimate your 2026 tax liability, including self-employment tax, federal income tax, and quarterly payment amounts.

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