Estimate how much of a freelance retainer to reserve for taxes after deductible business expenses. You can also subtract tax payments or withholding already made for the same month. The calculator reports the additional reserve, after-tax cash before personal spending, and the share of gross revenue protected. It is a budgeting tool, not a determination of taxable income or legal liability.
The result is the extra cash to set aside under your assumptions. A zero result can mean prior payments cover the estimate, not that no return or payment is required.
Tax rules vary. Verify deductible expenses, rate assumptions, and payment timing with an appropriate tax authority or professional.
On $6,000 revenue with $800 of deductible expenses, estimated taxable profit is $5,200. At 28%, estimated tax is $1,456; after $250 already paid, the additional reserve is $1,206.
Yes. The calculator floors estimated taxable profit at zero for this monthly reserve scenario.
Enter withholding or estimated payments attributable to the same income and period, avoiding double-counting.
Generally keep pass-through taxes separate from earned revenue, but follow the accounting rules that apply to you.
No. Enter a combined planning rate that reflects the taxes you intend to reserve for.
Annual income, deductions, credits, tax brackets, and jurisdiction-specific rules can change the actual liability.
| Input | Meaning | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly retainer revenue | User-entered planning assumption | USD |
| Estimated deductible expenses | User-entered planning assumption | USD |
| Estimated combined tax rate | User-entered planning assumption | % |
| Tax already paid or withheld | User-entered planning assumption | USD |