Free 1099 income estimator
Estimate how much money you actually keep after expenses, taxes, and business costs.
A simple tool for 1099 contractors, freelancers, handyman businesses, construction workers, landscapers, cleaners, delivery drivers, and self-employed workers.
Calculator
Enter your income, business expenses, tax assumptions, and savings goals. Results update instantly as you type.
Reverse Calculator
Enter the monthly take-home income you want. The app will estimate the gross revenue target needed to reach that number after expenses, taxes, savings, retirement, and insurance.
How it works
Contractor take-home pay is the money left after gross income is reduced by business expenses, estimated taxes, savings targets, health insurance, retirement contributions, and other planned costs.
For a 1099 worker, gross revenue can look strong while actual personal income is much lower. That is why this app focuses on practical take-home pay instead of only showing top-line income.
A contractor charging $75 per hour does not personally keep $75 per hour. Fuel, tools, materials, software, insurance, marketing, tax set-asides, unpaid admin time, and slow seasons can all reduce the real hourly number.
The real take-home hourly rate shows a more useful estimate by dividing annual take-home income by annual hours worked.
Contractor tips
Small costs add up fast. If you are self-employed, track expenses consistently so your pricing reflects the real cost of running your business.
The right tax set-aside depends on your income, filing status, deductions, credits, state, city, and business structure. A contractor with higher net business income may need a larger set-aside percentage than someone just starting out.
Use this calculator as a planning tool, then verify your tax plan with a qualified tax professional.
Use the reverse calculator to work backward from the monthly income you need. If the suggested hourly rate or project rate is higher than your current pricing, review your expense structure, job minimums, target customer, and service packages.
Better pricing starts with knowing your real cost of doing business.
FAQ
Answers to common questions about 1099 income, contractor take-home pay, and self-employed income planning.
Many contractors set aside a percentage of net business income for federal income tax, self-employment tax, and state tax. The right amount depends on income, deductions, filing status, and location.
Take-home pay is what remains after subtracting business expenses, estimated taxes, savings, insurance, and other planned deductions from gross contractor revenue.
Business expenses reduce net business income. This can lower the money available for taxes, savings, and personal take-home pay.
Many independent contractors pay self-employment tax for Social Security and Medicare in addition to income tax. This app includes a configurable self-employment tax estimate.
Divide your estimated annual take-home pay by your estimated annual hours worked. This gives a more realistic hourly income estimate than your customer-facing billable rate.
No. This calculator provides estimates only and is not tax, legal, or accounting advice. Speak with a qualified tax professional for advice based on your situation.
Many self-employed workers make estimated tax payments quarterly. Verify current IRS and state due dates before making tax decisions.
Track fuel, mileage, tools, insurance, licenses, software, marketing, phone, internet, equipment, vehicle maintenance, bookkeeping, materials, subcontractor costs, and other business-related costs.