Estimate your self-employment tax in Atlanta for 2026: the 15.3% SE tax, the deductible half, federal income tax, state income tax, and quarterly payments.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Atlanta self-employed workers pay federal SE tax and federal income tax, plus Georgia state income tax (Flat 5.49%). Georgia transitioned to a flat income tax rate of 5.49% in 2024, moving away from its previous graduated system. The rate is scheduled to decrease further in future years.
| Net Profit | SE Tax | Half-SE Deduction | Total Est. Tax | Per Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $4,239 | $2,119 | $6,253 | $1,563 |
| $50,000 | $7,065 | $3,532 | $12,330 | $3,082 |
| $75,000 | $10,597 | $5,299 | $20,549 | $5,137 |
| $100,000 | $14,130 | $7,065 | $30,468 | $7,617 |
| $150,000 | $21,194 | $10,597 | $50,728 | $12,682 |
Single filer, standard deduction. Total tax = SE tax + federal income tax + Georgia state tax. Estimates only.
Atlanta is the capital and economic engine of the Southeast, home to the world's busiest airport and a deep roster of Fortune 500 headquarters including Coca-Cola, Delta, Home Depot, and UPS, with a booming film and television industry, logistics, and a fast-growing technology sector.
| Local Metric | Atlanta (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 510,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Fulton County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 107 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $21.50/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $43.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,700/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $2,100/month |
| Median home price | $400,000 |
| Median household income | $77,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 8.9% |
| Effective property tax rate | 1% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the C2ER Cost of Living Index, U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
The federal SE tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security plus 2.9% Medicare), the same in Atlanta as everywhere. It applies to 92.35% of net profit; Social Security stops at $176,100 of net earnings.
Georgia taxes self-employment income as ordinary income (Flat 5.49%), so Atlanta freelancers owe state tax on top of federal.
On $60,000 of net profit in Atlanta, estimated total tax (SE plus federal plus state) is about $15,368, or roughly $3,842 per quarter.
Atlanta does not levy a local self-employment or income tax. Atlanta requires a business license and levies an occupation tax based on gross receipts and the number of employees, with a modest minimum for small businesses. Georgia has no separate state or local business income tax beyond the state income tax.
Business expenses that lower net profit (equipment, software, home office, mileage) reduce both SE tax and income tax. The deductible half of SE tax, self-employed health insurance, and retirement contributions reduce income tax.