Freelancer Tax Calculator India — FY 2025-26
Estimate the income tax and self-employment tax owed on your freelance income. For India. Uses current FY 2025-26 data.
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Total income from freelance/self-employment
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Deductible business costs: equipment, software, travel, office
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Personal deductions: 80C, health insurance, retirement contributions
Common questions — India
What is presumptive taxation under 44ADA in India?
Section 44ADA allows professionals (doctors, lawyers, consultants, etc.) with receipts up to ₹75 lakh to declare 50% of gross receipts as profit, without maintaining detailed books. This is simpler but may result in higher tax than claiming actual expenses if your real margins are below 50%.
When must I pay advance tax as a freelancer in India?
If total tax liability exceeds ₹10,000 in a year: pay 15% by June 15, 45% by September 15, 75% by December 15, and 100% by March 15. Missing these deadlines means 1% per month interest (Section 234B/234C). The advance tax is estimated and self-calculated — no employer to do it for you.
What business expenses can I deduct as a freelancer?
Legitimate deductions: laptop/equipment (depreciation), internet bill (pro-rated for business use), professional courses and books, co-working space or home office (pro-rated), accountant fees, software subscriptions, professional travel, phone (business portion). Keep receipts for everything.
Do I need to register for GST as a freelancer?
In India: yes, if your annual receipts exceed ₹20 lakh (services). Also mandatory if you export services (zero-rated but must register). GST on exports is 0% but you can claim input tax credit on business expenses.
How does self-employment tax work in the US?
Self-employed individuals pay 15.3% self-employment tax on net self-employment income (up to $168,600 for Social Security + 2.9% Medicare above that). This replaces the employer's 7.65% + employee's 7.65% split. You can deduct half of SE tax as an above-the-line deduction from gross income.