How the estimate works
Per diem deduction = days away × $80 × 80%
Net profit = revenue − expenses − per diem deduction
Self-employment tax = 92.35% of profit × 15.3%
(12.4% Social Security up to $184,500, 2.9% Medicare on all,
plus 0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 joint)
Taxable income = profit − ½ SE tax + other income − standard deduction − QBI
Income tax = 2026 brackets applied to taxable income
2026 federal tax brackets
| Rate | Single: taxable income | Married filing jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 |
| 12% | $12,400 – $50,400 | $24,800 – $100,800 |
| 22% | $50,400 – $105,700 | $100,800 – $211,400 |
| 24% | $105,700 – $201,775 | $211,400 – $403,550 |
| 32% | $201,775 – $256,225 | $403,550 – $512,450 |
| 35% | $256,225 – $640,600 | $512,450 – $768,700 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 | Over $768,700 |
2026 standard deduction: $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household.
Quarterly estimated tax due dates for 2026
| Payment | Covers | Due |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| 2 | Apr 1 – May 31 | June 15, 2026 |
| 3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | September 15, 2026 |
| 4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31 | January 15, 2027 |
To avoid an underpayment penalty, pay at least 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's (110% if your adjusted gross income was over $150,000).
Sources: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 brackets and standard deduction); Social Security Administration 2026 wage base ($184,500); IRS Notice 2026-60 ($80 transportation per diem from Oct 1, 2026, same as the prior year). Estimates only, not tax advice. Talk to a tax professional about your own return.
Common questions
How much should an owner-operator set aside for taxes?
Many set aside 25 to 30% of net profit for federal taxes. The exact share depends on your profit, filing status and deductions; this calculator estimates it for 2026.
What is the self-employment tax rate for truck drivers in 2026?
15.3% on 92.35% of net profit: 12.4% Social Security on up to $184,500 of earnings and 2.9% Medicare on all of it, plus 0.9% Medicare above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (joint).
Can owner-operators deduct per diem in 2026?
Yes. Self-employed drivers subject to DOT hours-of-service rules can deduct 80% of $80 a day for days away from home ($86 outside the continental US).
Do company drivers need this calculator?
Not usually. W-2 company drivers have taxes withheld from each paycheck and can't deduct unreimbursed per diem on their federal return.