Built for medical professionals
Moonlighting Tax Calculator
Calculate how much to set aside for taxes on moonlighting income across W-2 and 1099 shifts using 2026 brackets.
Avoid surprises at filing time by estimating combined federal and state impact for resident and fellow side income.
What this calculator helps you do
- Split W-2 vs 1099 moonlighting income.
- Estimate federal and state tax set-aside for 2026.
- See effective rates and recommended withholdings.
- Plan ahead for quarterly estimated taxes on 1099 work.
Who this is for
US residents and fellows with moonlighting income who need a quick tax set-aside estimate.
Moonlighting Tax Calculator
Estimate taxes on moonlighting income, including self-employment tax and per-shift set-asides.
Income and tax inputs
Optional itemized or additional deductions (standard deduction applied separately).
Used to estimate per-shift tax set-aside.
Results
Calculated in real time as you update inputs.
Per-Shift Tax Set-Aside
$756
Recommended reserve per moonlighting shift to cover federal, state, and SE tax
Federal Tax (est.)
$21,939
State Tax
$9,750
Self-Employment Tax
$4,590
Quarterly Estimated Payments
$9,070
Effective Tax Rate
24.2%
Explanation
Assumptions: SE tax applied at 15.3% of 1099 income; state tax uses a flat effective rate; federal tax uses simplified brackets with standard deduction by filing status plus your additional deductions. Does not account for QBI, tax credits, phaseouts, or retirement deferrals.
Quarterly payments are total estimated annual tax divided by four; actual safe harbor rules may differ.
Non-Device Clinical Decision Support (CDS) Notice
This calculator is Non-Device Clinical Decision Support (CDS) and is intended to assist, not direct, independent physician judgment.
The clinician is responsible for verifying the underlying math and assumptions against cited PubMed references before applying outputs in care.
How to use this calculator
- Enter projected W-2 and 1099 moonlighting income.
- Select your state to apply effective state taxes.
- Review total tax estimate and suggested set-aside.
- Adjust for expected deductions or benefits outside this tool.
- Revisit each quarter to stay aligned with updated income.
Understanding your results
- This is a simplified estimator; actual liability depends on full-year income and deductions.
- 1099 income often requires quarterly estimated payments—coordinate with a tax professional.
- Withholdings from primary residency payroll are not reflected; include them in your personal worksheet.
- State rates are effective averages; metro-specific taxes are not included.
Common questions
Does this calculate self-employment tax?
It approximates combined federal and state income tax. Self-employment tax nuances are not fully modeled.
Should I still make quarterly payments?
Likely yes for 1099 income. Use this as a guide and confirm with a CPA based on your full income picture.
Are deductions or retirement contributions included?
No. Add those separately when estimating your true taxable income.
Which year’s brackets are assumed?
2026 single-filer brackets with simplified state effective rates are used for quick planning.
Sources and methodology
- IRS
- State tax tables
Changelog: Updated for 2026 assumptions and refreshed copy.
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