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W-2 vs 1099 Calculator

Compare employee cash and benefits with contractor revenue after expenses and payroll taxes.

Input Financial Data for Comparison

Free results. Data is not submitted to our server.

How it works

Each scenario stands alone: the contractor calculation does not assume simultaneous W-2 earnings. Benefits are an entered economic value, not spendable cash. Income taxes are excluded. Worker classification follows applicable law and circumstances; it is not a tax preference you can freely choose.

Example

Compare $60,000 employee wages plus benefits against a contractor offer after business expenses and SE taxes, using your own benefits valuation.

Questions about this tool

Can this decide whether I should be a contractor?

No. It compares entered financial scenarios only. Worker classification follows applicable law and the working relationship, not whichever calculation is preferable.

Are these results independently verified?

No. Results and documents use the information you enter. Review the inputs and keep the underlying records.

Methodology sources

Tax year 2026. Sources reviewed September 19, 2026.

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Calculations are estimates based on your inputs. Verify important figures and applicable tax or employer rules. User-created documents are not government-issued or independently verified. Use accurate, authorized information.

Related payroll calculators and records

Review wages, withholding and deductions against your records. Use the free tools for an estimate, then create a document only from accurate, authorized payroll information.

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