Louisiana Self-Employment Tax Calculator

Calculate your self-employment tax, federal income tax, and Louisiana state income tax as a freelancer or 1099 contractor. Louisiana has a progressive income tax with rates from 1.

Annual Tax Breakdown

1099 Income
$85,000
Business Expenses
-$10,000
Net Profit
$75,000
Net Earnings (92.35%)(SE tax base)
$69,263
Social Security (12.4%)
-$8,589
Medicare (2.9%+)
-$2,009
Total SE Tax
-$10,597
SE Deduction (50%)(reduces income tax)
$5,299
Federal Income Tax
-$6,794
State Income Tax
-$2,606
Total Tax Owed
$19,998

Summary

Total Income
$75,000
Total Taxes
-$19,998
After-Tax Income
$55,002
Effective Tax Rate(on total income)
26.7%

Quarterly Estimated Payments

Q1 (Jan-Mar)Due April 15
$4,999
Q2 (Apr-May)Due June 15
$4,999
Q3 (Jun-Aug)Due September 15
$4,999
Q4 (Sep-Dec)Due January 15 (next year)
$4,999
Each Quarterly Payment
$4,999

Tax Breakdown

See your complete freelancer financial picture

Your estimated quarterly tax payment is $4,999. Model your freelance income alongside expenses, savings, and investments in the full simulator.

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Louisiana Tax Overview for Freelancers

Louisiana has a progressive income tax with rates from 1.85% to 4.25%. Combined with a low cost of living, Louisiana can be tax-friendly. Self-employed individuals in Louisiana pay federal self-employment tax (15.3%) plus federal income tax, and Louisiana state income tax on their net self-employment earnings.

Progressive rates with low top rate (4.25%)$6,000 retirement income exemptionLow cost of living

Self-Employment Taxes in Louisiana

If you work as a freelancer or independent contractor in Louisiana, your tax situation involves multiple layers: federal self-employment tax, federal income tax, and Louisiana state income tax. Understanding how each component works helps you plan your quarterly estimated payments and maximize your deductions.

Louisiana Income Tax for Freelancers

Louisiana has a progressive income tax with rates from 1.85% to 4.25%. Combined with a low cost of living, Louisiana can be tax-friendly.

Cost of Living for Freelancers in Louisiana

Louisiana's cost of living is about 8% below the national average, with affordable housing throughout the state. As a freelancer in Louisiana, your effective earnings depend not just on your tax rate but also on what your after-tax income can buy. Consider local costs for housing, coworking spaces, and daily expenses when setting your rates.

Financial Tips for Louisiana Freelancers

  • Louisiana's top rate of 4.25% is among the lowest progressive rates
  • The low cost of living in Louisiana maximizes your purchasing power
  • Louisiana offers a $6,000 retirement income exemption
  • Oil and gas, healthcare, and shipping industries offer competitive salaries in Louisiana

Key Louisiana Tax Features

  • Progressive rates with low top rate (4.25%)
  • $6,000 retirement income exemption
  • Low cost of living

Model Your Louisiana Freelance Finances Over Time

This calculator shows your Louisiana tax bill. Trajectoryy's full simulator models your freelance income alongside expenses, savings, investments, and more — month by month for years into the future.

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Compare Louisiana with Other States

TexasNo income taxArkansas4.4% top rateMississippi4.7% top rateCalifornia13.3% top rateNew York10.9% top rateMassachusetts5% top rate

Frequently Asked Questions

How is self-employment tax calculated in Louisiana?
Self-employed workers in Louisiana pay federal self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings), federal income tax, and Louisiana state income tax. Louisiana has a progressive income tax with rates from 1.85% to 4.25%. Combined with a low cost of living, Louisiana can be tax-friendly.
How much will I owe in quarterly taxes as a freelancer in Louisiana?
Your quarterly estimated tax payment in Louisiana depends on your total tax liability — including SE tax, federal income tax, and Louisiana state income tax. Use the calculator above to estimate your quarterly payments. As a general rule, freelancers should set aside 25-35% of their net income for taxes.
What business deductions are available for Louisiana freelancers?
Freelancers in Louisiana can deduct the same federal business expenses as in any state: home office, equipment, software, health insurance, vehicle expenses, and more. These deductions also reduce your Louisiana state taxable income, providing additional state tax savings.
Does Louisiana have any special taxes for self-employed workers?
Louisiana does not have a separate self-employment tax. However, your net self-employment income is subject to Louisiana's regular income tax (4.25% top rate) in addition to federal self-employment tax and federal income tax.
Should I form an LLC or S-Corp as a freelancer in Louisiana?
The decision to form an LLC or S-Corp in Louisiana depends on your income level. Generally, if your net self-employment income exceeds $50,000-$60,000, an S-Corp election may save you money by allowing you to pay yourself a reasonable salary (subject to FICA/Medicare) while taking the rest as distributions (not subject to SE tax). Consult a Louisiana tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

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State Tax-$2,384
FICA + Medicare-$4,973
Net Pay$50,181
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