Real Estate Agent Tax Calculator 2026
Estimate a self-employed real estate agent's 2026 take-home after self-employment and federal income tax.
Tax breakdown on $65,000
Approximate 2026 U.S. median net earnings for real estate agents (BLS OES). Half of the self-employment tax is deducted from income in this estimate. Federal only — add your state income tax with the calculators below. Excludes credits, other income, and (for 1099) business deductions and the QBI deduction.
Take-home at different realtor salaries
| Gross | Federal income tax | SE tax | Annual take-home | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $46,000 | $2,950 | $6,500 | $36,550 | $3,046 |
| $55,000 | $3,954 | $7,771 | $43,275 | $3,606 |
| $65,000 | $5,069 | $9,184 | $50,747 | $4,229 |
| $75,000 | $6,504 | $10,597 | $57,899 | $4,825 |
| $88,000 | $9,162 | $12,434 | $66,404 | $5,534 |
How real estate agent taxes work
Almost all real estate agents are independent contractors who receive 1099 income, which means no taxes are withheld and you owe self-employment (Schedule SE) tax — 15.3% on net earnings — on top of federal income tax. Half of that SE tax is deductible above the line, which the estimate below already applies.
The upside of 1099 status is deductions: agents can write off business mileage, marketing, MLS and license fees, a home office, and more, which lowers both income tax and SE tax. Many agents also qualify for the 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction, which this simplified estimate does not include — so your real tax may be lower.
Tax notes for realtors
- You owe 15.3% self-employment tax on net profit (half is deductible) — pay it via quarterly estimates.
- Deduct vehicle mileage, marketing, MLS/board dues, license renewal, E&O insurance, and a home office.
- Most agents qualify for the 20% QBI deduction — not included above, so your tax is likely lower.
- An S-corp election can reduce SE tax at higher income — worth discussing with a CPA.
Realtor tax FAQs
How much does a realtor take home after taxes in 2026?
A single realtor earning about $65,000 takes home roughly $50,747 a year (about $4,229 per month) after federal income tax and self-employment tax — an effective federal rate of about 21.93%. This is before any state income tax and before business deductions or the QBI deduction, which usually lower it.
How much does a realtor take home after taxes in 2026?
On about $65,000 of net commission income, a single self-employed agent keeps roughly the amount shown above after self-employment tax and federal income tax. Business deductions and the QBI deduction can raise that take-home meaningfully.
Do real estate agents pay self-employment tax?
Yes. As 1099 contractors, agents pay 15.3% self-employment tax on net earnings (12.4% Social Security up to the wage base plus 2.9% Medicare), in addition to federal income tax. Half of the SE tax is deductible from income.
What can real estate agents deduct?
Common deductions include vehicle mileage, advertising and marketing, MLS and association dues, license and E&O insurance, continuing education, phone, and a qualifying home office. These reduce both income tax and self-employment tax.