State tax guide
Every self-employed person in New Hampshire pays the same 15.3% federal self-employment tax. But New Hampshire has no state income tax, which means NH freelancers keep more of what they earn compared to most other states.
New Hampshire has no state income tax on wages and self-employment income. However, interest and dividends income may be taxed.
State Income Tax
None
Federal SE Tax
15.3%
Tax Agency
New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration
No tax on wages/SE income; interest & dividends may be taxed
The federal self-employment tax rate is 15.3% on 92.35% of your net self-employment earnings. This breaks down to 12.4% for Social Security (up to the combined $184,500 wage base in 2026) and 2.9% for Medicare without that cap. Additional Medicare Tax may also apply. Since New Hampshire has no state income tax, you only need to budget for the federal SE tax and federal income tax.
SE Tax Formula
SE Taxable Income = Net earnings × 92.35%
SE Tax = SE Taxable Income × 15.3%
Estimate your self-employment tax, income tax, and take-home pay. Enter your numbers below — results update instantly.
This simple estimator does not collect filing status or W-2 wages. Its Social Security estimate cannot combine a W-2 wage base, and it does not include Additional Medicare Tax.
Planning estimate only. Does not include city/county taxes, withholding, safe-harbor rules, uneven income, Additional Medicare Tax, deductions for half of SE tax, QBI deduction, or tax credits. The quarterly figure is a rough reserve, not a payment instruction. Consult a CPA or EA.
NH self-employed individuals must make quarterly estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000 or more. This applies to both federal and federal taxes. The IRS and most states accept online payments.
Safe Harbor rule: pay 100% of last year's tax (110% if AGI over $150K) or 90% of this year's tax, and you avoid underpayment penalties.
Whether you live in NH or anywhere in the US, these deductions can significantly lower your tax bill:
You can deduct 50% of your self-employment tax as an above-the-line adjustment on your federal return.
Deduct a portion of rent, utilities, and internet if you use part of your home exclusively and regularly for business.
Self-employed health insurance premiums are 100% deductible on your federal return.
SEP IRA (up to 25% of net earnings) or Solo 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income.
Thinking about going from W-2 to 1099 in New Hampshire? With no state income tax, New Hampshire is one of the best places to be a 1099 contractor. Your take-home pay advantage over W-2 is larger here than in most states.
Compare W-2 vs 1099 →The federal self-employment tax rate is 15.3% everywhere in the US. New Hampshire has no state income tax, so you only pay federal SE tax (15.3%) and federal income tax.
You pay both federal and federal estimated taxes quarterly using IRS Form 1040-ES. Use our quarterly tax calculator to estimate your payment amounts. Visit New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration for state-specific instructions: https://www.revenue.nh.gov/
Yes, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax. Since New Hampshire has no state income tax, you only need to worry about federal quarterly payments.
Home office, health insurance premiums, retirement contributions (SEP IRA or Solo 401k), equipment and software, mileage, professional services, and 50% of your SE tax itself are all deductible. Track expenses year-round — don't wait until tax season.