Self-Employment Tax for Wisconsin (2026)
Wisconsin (WI) Key Facts
Federal S E Tax Rate
15.3%
State Income Tax Rate
7.65%
Combined S E + State Rate
23.0%
S E Tax Components
12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare
How This Calculator Works in Wisconsin
This calculator estimates your total self-employment tax in Wisconsin, including the federal 15.3% SE tax and Wisconsin's state income tax. Enter your net SE income to see your liability.
Wisconsin Overview
Self-employed workers in Wisconsin pay the federal 15.3% SE tax plus state income tax at up to 7.65%, for a combined burden of approximately 23.0%. Quarterly estimated payments are typically required for both federal and state obligations.
How Wisconsin Compares
Wisconsin's combined SE burden of 23.0% compares to Minnesota at 25.1% and Illinois at 20.3%. State income tax creates meaningful differences between states.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 9.85% | Minnesota has a state income tax on SE income rate of 9.85%. |
| Illinois | 4.95% | Illinois has a state income tax on SE income rate of 4.95%. |
| Michigan | 4.25% | Michigan has a state income tax on SE income rate of 4.25%. |
Wisconsin's state income tax on SE income rate of 7.65% compares to a national average of approximately 5.04%. This is above the national average.
Tips for Wisconsin Residents
- 1Federal self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare) regardless of state.
- 2Wisconsin adds state income tax at up to 7.65% on self-employment income, for a combined rate of about 23.0%.
- 3Make quarterly estimated payments for both federal and Wisconsin state taxes to avoid underpayment penalties.
- 4Deduct half of your SE tax on your federal return and track all business expenses to minimize net self-employment income.
- 5Consider whether an S-Corp election could reduce your SE tax burden if your net income exceeds $50,000-$60,000.