Estimate your self-employment tax in Saint Paul 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
Saint Paul self-employed workers pay federal SE tax and federal income tax, plus 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.
| Net Profit | SE Tax | Half-SE Deduction | Total Est. Tax | Per Quarter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $4,239 | $2,119 | $6,235 | $1,559 |
| $50,000 | $7,065 | $3,532 | $12,286 | $3,071 |
| $75,000 | $10,597 | $5,299 | $20,806 | $5,201 |
| $100,000 | $14,130 | $7,065 | $31,029 | $7,757 |
| $150,000 | $21,194 | $10,597 | $52,111 | $13,028 |
Single filer, standard deduction. Total tax = SE tax + federal income tax + Minnesota state tax. Estimates only.
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.
The federal SE tax rate is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security plus 2.9% Medicare), the same in Saint Paul as everywhere. It applies to 92.35% of net profit; Social Security stops at $176,100 of net earnings.
Minnesota taxes self-employment income as ordinary income (5.35% to 9.85%), so Saint Paul freelancers owe state tax on top of federal.
On $60,000 of net profit in Saint Paul, estimated total tax (SE plus federal plus state) is about $15,443, or roughly $3,861 per quarter.
Saint Paul 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.