Estimate your self-employment tax in Pocatello 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
Pocatello self-employed workers pay federal SE tax and federal income tax, plus 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.
| Net Profit | SE Tax | Half-SE Deduction | Total Est. Tax | Per Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $4,239 | $2,119 | $6,280 | $1,570 |
| $50,000 | $7,065 | $3,532 | $12,394 | $3,099 |
| $75,000 | $10,597 | $5,299 | $20,661 | $5,165 |
| $100,000 | $14,130 | $7,065 | $30,628 | $7,657 |
| $150,000 | $21,194 | $10,597 | $50,983 | $12,746 |
Single filer, standard deduction. Total tax = SE tax + federal income tax + Idaho state tax. Estimates only.
Pocatello is a southeastern Idaho hub built around the railroad and Idaho State University, with an economy spanning higher education, healthcare, transportation and logistics, and food and aerospace manufacturing.
| Local Metric | Pocatello (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 57,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Bannock County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 81 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $18.00/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $37.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $850/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,050/month |
| Median home price | $290,000 |
| Median household income | $52,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 6% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.75% 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 Pocatello as everywhere. It applies to 92.35% of net profit; Social Security stops at $176,100 of net earnings.
Idaho taxes self-employment income as ordinary income (Flat 5.695%), so Pocatello freelancers owe state tax on top of federal.
On $60,000 of net profit in Pocatello, estimated total tax (SE plus federal plus state) is about $15,452, or roughly $3,863 per quarter.
Pocatello 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.