How 1099 Taxes Work in California
As an independent contractor, sole proprietor, or 1099-NEC recipient operating in California, you do not have an employer withholding taxes from your paychecks. Instead, you are responsible for calculating and remitting both federal self-employment taxes and applicable California state taxes.
1. Federal Self-Employment Tax (15.3%)
Under IRS Schedule SE (Form 1040), 1099 professionals pay 15.3% on 92.35% of net business profits:
- 12.4% Social Security Tax: Applies to net earnings up to the annual wage ceiling ($168,600 for 2026).
- 2.9% Medicare Tax: Applies to all net earnings without an upper limit. High earners above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married) are subject to an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax.
2. California State Income Tax Rules
California levies state income tax with rates topping at 13.3%. Estimated state tax payments must be filed directly with the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) to avoid local underpayment penalties.
3. Quarterly Estimated Payment Deadlines
To avoid IRS Form 2210 underpayment penalties, freelancers owing $1,000 or more in federal taxes must pay quarterly installments via EFTPS or Direct Pay on:
- Q1 Deadline: April 15
- Q2 Deadline: June 15
- Q3 Deadline: September 15
- Q4 Deadline: January 15 (following year)