Estimate your quarterly taxes as a self-employed worker in Boise for 2026, including self-employment tax, federal income tax, and Idaho state income tax.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Boise freelancers pay federal self-employment tax, federal income tax, and Idaho state income tax (Flat 5.695%). Idaho moved to a flat income tax rate of 5.8% in 2023, simplifying its previous graduated bracket system. The state has no estate or inheritance tax.
| Tax Component | Rate / Detail (2026) |
|---|---|
| Self-Employment Tax | 15.3% on 92.35% of net profit |
| Social Security portion | 12.4% on first $176,100 |
| Medicare portion | 2.9% (no cap) |
| SE Tax Deduction | Deduct half of SE tax from income |
| Federal Standard Deduction (Single) | $15,000 |
| Idaho State Income Tax | Flat 5.695% |
| Boise Local Income Tax | None |
| Quarterly Due Dates | April 15, June 16, September 15, January 15 |
Boise is the capital and largest city in Idaho and the engine of one of the fastest-growing metros in the country, with an economy anchored by Micron Technology and semiconductors, technology and startups, state government, healthcare, and outdoor recreation.
| Local Metric | Boise (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 240,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Ada County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 104 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $20.50/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $41.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,350/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,650/month |
| Median home price | $480,000 |
| Median household income | $70,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 6% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.65% 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.
If you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax, you generally must pay quarterly. This covers freelancers, contractors, sole proprietors, and LLC members in Boise. Idaho also requires state estimated payments if you expect to owe $500 or more in state income tax.
Federal estimated taxes are due April 15, June 16, September 15, and January 15. Idaho uses the same quarterly schedule as the IRS for its state estimated payments.
A common rule is 25% to 35% of net profit. Because Idaho adds state income tax (Flat 5.695%) on top of federal taxes, Boise freelancers often set aside toward the higher end. Use the calculator above for your numbers.
The self-employment tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security up to $176,100 of net earnings, plus 2.9% Medicare with no cap). It applies to 92.35% of net profit, and half of it is deductible against income tax.
Boise does not levy a local personal income tax. Your estimated payments cover federal taxes and Idaho state income tax.