1099 vs W-2 Tax Comparison
Compare estimated contractor take-home pay with a simple W-2 withholding proxy for the same annual gross income.
Quick answer
1099 vs W-2 Tax Comparison helps estimate the result from your inputs in the browser. Use the output as a planning number, then compare it with your records, provider terms, or official guidance before making a final decision.
This page is a planning comparison only. The 1099 side uses 2024 US federal single-filer logic already used on the site. The W-2 side is a simplified withholding proxy, not a payroll engine.
Calculator
Results update as you type
1099 vs W-2 cash gap
The two paths are close on cash alone. The decision likely depends more on benefits, risk, and state rules than raw federal math.
Contractor estimate versus salary proxy.
Breakdown
What this is good for
Use it as a first-pass planning tool when comparing a contract offer with a salary offer at roughly the same gross pay. It does not price benefits, healthcare, retirement match, PTO, or state-specific tax details.
Formula
The math behind the result
1099 take-home = gross income - self-employment tax - federal income tax
W-2 take-home proxy = gross income - (gross income x withholding rate)
Net gap = 1099 take-home - W-2 take-home proxy
How it works
A clean flow from input to answer
- 1Enter the same annual gross income for both work arrangements.
- 2Add the contractor deductions you expect to claim and a simple effective withholding rate for the salary path.
- 3Review the estimated take-home gap before considering benefits, insurance, retirement match, and state-specific rules.
FAQ
Common questions
Is this a real paycheck calculator?
No. It is a planning comparison page. The W-2 side uses one adjustable withholding percentage instead of a full payroll engine.
Why compare 1099 and W-2 this way?
Because many offer decisions start with rough cash-flow math. This gives a fast first pass before a deeper payroll or benefits review.
Does this include state taxes or employer benefits?
No. State taxes, healthcare, retirement match, PTO, unemployment coverage, and workers compensation are outside this simplified comparison.
Verification
Official sources, limits, and fixtures
Verified 2026-07-08
Sources
Current limits
- Single-filer federal baseline only in the current release.
- Does not include state tax, credits, safe-harbor rules, or full filing status coverage.
Known fixtures
Quarterly reserve on 40k baseline
income=40000 deductions=0
Expected: federal + SE estimate only
SE tax formula check
SE tax = income x 92.35% x 15.3%
Expected: matches current engine formula