W-2 vs 1099 Take-Home Calc

A W-2 salary and a 1099 rate are not comparable on their face. On W-2 your employer pays half your FICA; on 1099 you pay both halves as self-employment tax, deduct half of it, and may qualify for the QBI deduction. This calculator does that math instantly with 2026 IRS numbers: enter a salary or contract rate and see federal income tax, FICA vs SE tax, deductions, and net take-home for both paths side by side, plus the 1099 rate you would need to match a given W-2 offer. Runs in the browser, no signup, $5 one-time. Not legal, tax, or investment advice.