Schedule C Calculator

Calculate net profit/loss from self-employment with expense categories.

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Net Profit/Loss

$66,500.00

SE Tax

$9,396.15

Schedule C Summary

Gross Revenue$100,000.00
COGS-$20,000.00
Gross Profit$80,000.00
Total Expenses-$13,500.00
Net Profit$66,500.00
SE Tax (15.3%)$9,396.15

Use the Schedule C Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

A Schedule C Calculator helps self-employed individuals and single-member LLCs determine their net profit or loss from a business. This is crucial for accurately reporting income to the IRS and calculating self-employment taxes (Social Security and Medicare contributions). It simplifies the complex process of categorizing income and expenses.

The calculator essentially subtracts all allowable business expenses from your total gross business income. This aligns with the structure of IRS Form Schedule C, Profit or Loss from Business. The resulting net profit is then used to calculate your self-employment tax obligations and your adjusted gross income for federal income tax purposes.

Ensure you meticulously track *all* business income and expenses throughout the year; a lack of detailed records is a common mistake. Don't forget to include home office deductions if eligible, and be aware of the difference between deductible business expenses and personal expenses.

Example: Freelance Designer's Schedule C

  1. 1 Sarah, a freelance graphic designer, has $65,000 in gross receipts for the year. Her business expenses include: $5,000 for a new computer, $1,200 for software subscriptions, $800 for office supplies, $2,000 for professional development courses, and $1,500 for business insurance.
  2. 2 Gross Income: $65,000. Total Expenses: $5,000 (computer) + $1,200 (software) + $800 (supplies) + $2,000 (education) + $1,500 (insurance) = $10,500. Net Profit = $65,000 - $10,500 = $54,500.
  3. 3 The Schedule C Calculator would show a net profit of $54,500 for Sarah's freelance business.
  4. 4 This $54,500 is the amount Sarah will report on her Schedule C for calculating her federal income tax liability and self-employment taxes. She can use this figure to estimate her quarterly tax payments to avoid penalties.

Source: SBA — Business Guide · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to file Schedule C?
Any sole proprietor or single-member LLC with self-employment income files Schedule C with their Form 1040. This includes freelancers, gig workers, independent contractors, and anyone who received a 1099-NEC or has business income.
What is the difference between Schedule C income and a W-2?
Schedule C income has no taxes withheld, so you must pay both the employee and employer portions of Social Security and Medicare (15.3% total). W-2 employees split these taxes with their employer. Schedule C filers can deduct business expenses directly.
Can I deduct a home office on Schedule C?
Yes, if you use a dedicated space regularly and exclusively for business. The simplified method allows $5 per square foot up to 300 square feet ($1,500 max). The regular method prorates actual home expenses by the percentage of home used for business.