Estimate your self-employment tax in Iowa City 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
Iowa City self-employed workers pay federal SE tax and federal income tax, plus Iowa state income tax (Flat 3.8%). Iowa transitioned to a flat income tax rate of 3.8% for 2025, down from its previous graduated system. The state also fully exempts retirement income from state taxation.
| Net Profit | SE Tax | Half-SE Deduction | Total Est. Tax | Per Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $4,239 | $2,119 | $6,035 | $1,509 |
| $50,000 | $7,065 | $3,532 | $11,798 | $2,950 |
| $75,000 | $10,597 | $5,299 | $19,624 | $4,906 |
| $100,000 | $14,130 | $7,065 | $29,151 | $7,288 |
| $150,000 | $21,194 | $10,597 | $48,625 | $12,156 |
Single filer, standard deduction. Total tax = SE tax + federal income tax + Iowa state tax. Estimates only.
Iowa City is home to the University of Iowa and its major academic medical center, anchoring an economy built on higher education, healthcare, and a celebrated literary and arts community as a UNESCO City of Literature.
| Local Metric | Iowa City (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 75,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Johnson County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 92 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $19.50/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $39.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,100/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,350/month |
| Median home price | $270,000 |
| Median household income | $55,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 7% |
| Effective property tax rate | 1.6% 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 Iowa City as everywhere. It applies to 92.35% of net profit; Social Security stops at $176,100 of net earnings.
Iowa taxes self-employment income as ordinary income (Flat 3.8%), so Iowa City freelancers owe state tax on top of federal.
On $60,000 of net profit in Iowa City, estimated total tax (SE plus federal plus state) is about $14,679, or roughly $3,670 per quarter.
Iowa City does not levy a local self-employment or income tax. Business owners should still budget for any required local license.
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.