Take Home 1099
Tax year 2026 · Free · Runs only in your browser

W-2 vs 1099 Take-Home Calculator

Compare a W-2 offer with a 1099 offer side by side — including real state tax brackets — then see the 1099 rate you need to match the W-2 package.

How to use this calculator
  1. Pick your state (and filing status) so taxes match where you live.
  2. Enter the W-2 job offer — salary, health insurance, 401(k) match, and paid days off.
  3. Enter the 1099 / contract offer — rate, billable hours, expenses, and unpaid days off.
  4. Read the result — which pays more after taxes and benefits, and the 1099 rate needed to match.

Your situation

How you file your federal tax return (Single, Married, etc.).

Select Your State

Where you live and pay state income tax. Change if you are not in Alabama.

W-2 offer

Yearly pay before taxes from your offer letter or pay stub.

What your employer pays toward your health plan per year — check your offer letter or benefits summary; use ~7,000 if unsure.

The % of salary your employer adds to your 401(k).

Vacation, holidays, and sick days your employer pays for.

PTO is already in W-2 pay. Used to compare unpaid 1099 days.

1099 offer

What the client pays you per billable hour.

Hours you can actually charge clients, not total hours worked.

Laptop, software, home office, insurance, etc.

Vacation, holidays, and sick days you won’t be paid for as a contractor.

Unpaid days reduce 1099 billable weeks (5 workdays/week). Expenses reduce taxable profit.

To match this W-2 package, the 1099 rate needs to be at least
—

W-2 cash take-home

—
— / month

1099 cash take-home

—
— / month
Recommended next step

Tools That'll Help

Breakdown

LineW-21099
Free checklist

Going 1099 checklist

A free step-by-step list for taxes, banking, insurance, contracts, and quarterly habits — open it, download it, and keep it handy while you switch.

Get the Going 1099 checklist →

Frequently asked questions

How does the W-2 vs 1099 calculator work?

It compares a W-2 offer and a 1099 offer side by side using 2026 federal brackets, the Social Security wage base of $184,500, and real state income tax brackets — then shows the 1099 rate you need to match the W-2 package.

Does the calculator include state income tax?

Yes. Real 2026 brackets for all 50 states + DC (Tax Foundation). No-tax states are $0. You can override with a manual rate instead of brackets.

How is 1099 self-employment tax calculated?

Self-employment tax is 15.3% on 92.35% of net profit (SS capped). Half of SE tax is deductible. A simplified 20% QBI deduction is applied (phaseouts ignored).

Is my data sent to a server?

No. The calculator runs only in your browser. Share links encode inputs in the URL; inputs can also stay in localStorage on this device.

How it works
  • 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32. Social Security wage base $184,500.
  • State tax: real 2026 brackets for all 50 states + DC (Tax Foundation). No-tax states are $0. Some bracket widths still use 2025 inflation adjustments where 2026 wasn't published — labeled in the state note. Manual rate override still available.
  • W-2: employee FICA 7.65% (SS capped) + Additional Medicare Tax where it applies. Federal tax after the standard deduction.
  • 1099: self-employment tax 15.3% on 92.35% of net profit (SS capped). Half of SE tax deductible. Simplified 20% QBI (phaseouts ignored).
  • Share link encodes your inputs in the URL. PDF summary uses your browser's print-to-PDF — nothing leaves your device except what you choose to save.
  • Inputs also stay in localStorage on this device. Nothing is sent to our servers for the calculation.
Estimate only — not tax, legal, or financial advice. Real returns depend on credits, withholding, retirement contributions, health coverage, local taxes, QBI limits, and other facts. Talk to a tax professional before you decide.