Free tool
LLC Tax Calculator
Federal + state + self-employment tax for default LLCs, with a side-by-side S-Corp election comparison and QBI deduction. Built on 2026 IRS-indexed brackets.
LLC Tax Calculator
Estimate federal income tax, state income tax, and self-employment / FICA taxes for a US LLC. Includes the QBI (Section 199A) deduction. Compares default pass-through vs. S-Corp election in real time.
Default pass-through
- Net profit$120,000
- Federal income tax$11,902
- State income tax$0
- SE / FICA tax$16,955
- QBI deduction-$19,304
With S-Corp election
- Net profit$120,000
- Federal income tax$15,374
- State income tax$0
- SE / FICA tax$8,478
- QBI deduction-$12,000
How this calculator works
Default pass-through: The LLC owes no federal income tax of its own. Profits flow to your personal return. Self-employment (SE) tax of 15.3% applies on 92.35% of net earnings, up to the SS wage base ($176,100 in 2026). Half of SE tax is deductible above-the-line. The QBI deduction (Section 199A) may reduce taxable income by up to 20%.
S-Corp election: The LLC pays you a "reasonable salary" subject to payroll FICA (15.3%). Remaining profits pass through to your return as distributions, free of SE tax. The breakeven is typically around $40,000-$60,000 of net profit, depending on your reasonable salary.
2026 federal brackets are estimated by extrapolating the IRS inflation indexing from 2025 (Rev. Proc. 2024-40).
Frequently asked questions
How are LLCs taxed by default?
Single-member LLCs are taxed as sole proprietorships (Schedule C). Multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships (Form 1065 + K-1). In both cases, profits "pass through" to the owners' personal returns and are subject to federal income tax plus self-employment tax (15.3% on the first $176,100 in 2026, then 2.9% on remaining net earnings).
When does an S-Corp election make sense?
Once net profit (after a reasonable salary) consistently exceeds $40,000-$60,000, the FICA savings on the distribution portion usually outweigh the $1,500-$3,000/year payroll and admin costs. Use the calculator to find your specific crossover.
What is the QBI deduction?
Section 199A allows pass-through business owners to deduct up to 20% of qualified business income. It phases out for high-income service businesses (SSTBs). The thresholds for 2026 are estimated at $197,300 single / $394,600 married filing jointly.
Do non-residents pay US tax on a US LLC?
Non-resident-owned single-member LLCs with no US-source effectively connected income (ECI) generally owe no US federal income tax. They must still file Form 5472 and Form 1120 annually. See our non-resident guide.
Are 2026 tax brackets official?
The IRS typically publishes official 2026 brackets in October-November 2026 (Rev. Proc.). Our calculator uses the IRS's 2025 inflation-indexed brackets as the most current published figures; 2026 results are an estimate that we will update upon official release.