Estimate your self-employment tax in Madison 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
Madison self-employed workers pay federal SE tax and federal income tax, plus Wisconsin state income tax (3.54% to 7.65%). Wisconsin has four income tax brackets with a top rate of 7.65%. The state offers significant retirement income exclusions and does not tax Social Security benefits.
| Net Profit | SE Tax | Half-SE Deduction | Total Est. Tax | Per Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $4,239 | $2,119 | $6,002 | $1,501 |
| $50,000 | $7,065 | $3,532 | $11,925 | $2,981 |
| $75,000 | $10,597 | $5,299 | $20,100 | $5,025 |
| $100,000 | $14,130 | $7,065 | $29,975 | $7,494 |
| $150,000 | $21,194 | $10,597 | $50,146 | $12,537 |
Single filer, standard deduction. Total tax = SE tax + federal income tax + Wisconsin state tax. Estimates only.
Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and home to the University of Wisconsin, with an economy anchored by state government, higher education and research, healthcare and biotechnology, insurance, and a fast-growing technology sector.
| Local Metric | Madison (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 270,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Dane County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 102 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $21.00/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $42.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,500/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,800/month |
| Median home price | $380,000 |
| Median household income | $72,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 5.5% |
| Effective property tax rate | 1.85% 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 Madison as everywhere. It applies to 92.35% of net profit; Social Security stops at $176,100 of net earnings.
Wisconsin taxes self-employment income as ordinary income (3.54% to 7.65%), so Madison freelancers owe state tax on top of federal.
On $60,000 of net profit in Madison, estimated total tax (SE plus federal plus state) is about $14,946, or roughly $3,736 per quarter.
Madison 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.