How much should freelancers in Tennessee set aside for taxes?

As an estimate, a self-employed person in Tennessee with $50,000 of profit should set aside about 19% of that profit, rising to about 22% at $100,000. That covers federal income tax and self-employment tax; Tennessee has no state income tax. Here's where the numbers come from.

Tennessee's 2026 income tax at a glance

Rates and brackets are as of January 1, 2026, for single filers, from the Tax Foundation's annual state survey. Married couples filing jointly usually get wider brackets.

	Tennessee
Structure	No state income tax on wages or self-employment income

What you still owe

Tennessee doesn't tax your freelance profit, but the IRS does. You still owe self-employment tax (15.3% on most of your profit, for Social Security and Medicare) plus federal income tax, and you still make federal quarterly estimated payments.

That makes your set-aside lower than in most states, but rarely below 15% once you're earning a real profit.

How much to set aside in Tennessee

Estimated total tax as a share of profit for a single filer with no other job: federal income tax and self-employment tax, using 2026 rules and the standard deduction. Save this share of each payment after business expenses.

Profit	Federal + SE tax	Set aside
$30,000	$5,181	17%
$50,000	$9,732	19%
$75,000	$15,495	21%
$100,000	$22,365	22%
$150,000	$37,608	25%

Tennessee estimated tax payments

With no state income tax, there are no Tennessee estimated income tax payments to make. Just the four federal ones.

An easy habit: when you make each federal quarterly payment, make the state one the same day.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Tennessee have a state income tax?

No. Tennessee doesn't tax wages or self-employment income. You still owe federal income tax and self-employment tax.

What percentage should I set aside for taxes in Tennessee?

As an estimate, a single freelancer with no other job should save about 19% of profit at $50,000 and 22% at $100,000, covering federal income tax and self-employment tax. A day job, a spouse's income or big write-offs change the number, so use the calculator for yours.

Do I need to pay quarterly taxes if I live in Tennessee?

Yes, to the IRS. If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, the IRS expects four estimated payments. There's no state income tax payment to make.

Sources

Estimates and general information, not tax advice. Check with a tax professional for your situation.