1099 vs W‑2 Take‑Home

US federal only • 2025 brackets • standard deduction • deterministic

About

1099vsW2Calc.com is a static federal-only comparison tool that estimates take-home differences between 1099 contractor income and W-2 wages using deterministic formulas.

Purpose of this calculator

The tool helps users compare how much gross income may remain after federal taxes under two different work classifications.

How the model works

The W-2 side estimates employee federal income tax plus FICA. The 1099 side models self-employment tax using the 92.35% earnings base, the Social Security wage cap, uncapped Medicare, and the half-SE-tax deduction before federal income tax.

Scope

This version is federal-only. It does not include state taxes, business expenses, itemized deductions, benefits, credits, QBI, or employer-paid perks.

Network context

This site is part of the Calc-HQ.com financial tool network and connects with related calculators covering quarterly taxes, after-tax salary, and take-home pay planning.