Estimate your quarterly taxes as a self-employed worker in Saint Paul for 2026, including self-employment tax, federal income tax, and Minnesota state income tax.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Saint Paul freelancers pay federal self-employment tax, federal income tax, and Minnesota state income tax (5.35% to 9.85%). Minnesota has four income tax brackets with a top rate of 9.85%, one of the highest in the nation. The state does not tax Social Security benefits for most residents.
| 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 |
| Minnesota State Income Tax | 5.35% to 9.85% |
| Saint Paul Local Income Tax | None |
| Quarterly Due Dates | April 15, June 16, September 15, January 15 |
Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota and the eastern half of the Twin Cities, anchored by state government, higher education, healthcare, insurance and financial services, and a historic riverfront economy along the Mississippi.
| Local Metric | Saint Paul (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 310,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Ramsey County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 103 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $21.50/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $43.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $15.57/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,300/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,650/month |
| Median home price | $290,000 |
| Median household income | $70,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 7.875% |
| Effective property tax rate | 1.15% 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 Saint Paul. Minnesota 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. Minnesota uses the same quarterly schedule as the IRS for its state estimated payments.
A common rule is 25% to 35% of net profit. Because Minnesota adds state income tax (5.35% to 9.85%) on top of federal taxes, Saint Paul 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.
Saint Paul does not levy a local personal income tax. Your estimated payments cover federal taxes and Minnesota state income tax.