Estimate your quarterly taxes as a self-employed worker in Savannah for 2026, including self-employment tax, federal income tax, and Georgia state income tax.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Savannah freelancers pay federal self-employment tax, federal income tax, and Georgia state income tax (Flat 5.49%). Georgia transitioned to a flat income tax rate of 5.49% in 2024, moving away from its previous graduated system. The rate is scheduled to decrease further in future years.
| 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 |
| Georgia State Income Tax | Flat 5.49% |
| Savannah Local Income Tax | None |
| Quarterly Due Dates | April 15, June 16, September 15, January 15 |
Savannah is Georgia's oldest city and a major Atlantic seaport, with an economy driven by the Port of Savannah (one of the busiest container ports in the country), tourism centered on its historic district, manufacturing, and logistics.
| Local Metric | Savannah (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 150,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Chatham County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 95 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $18.25/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $39.00/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,450/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,700/month |
| Median home price | $315,000 |
| Median household income | $52,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 7% |
| Effective property tax rate | 1% 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 Savannah. Georgia also requires state estimated payments if you expect to owe more than $500 in state tax.
Federal estimated taxes are due April 15, June 16, September 15, and January 15. Georgia uses the same quarterly schedule for its state estimated payments.
A common rule is 25% to 35% of net profit. Because Georgia adds state income tax (Flat 5.49%) on top of federal taxes, Savannah 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.
Savannah does not levy a local personal income tax. Your estimated payments cover federal taxes and Georgia state income tax.