Briefbox
Compare W-2 and 1099 take-home pay for 2026
About Briefbox
Briefbox is a calculator for people weighing a salaried W-2 job against 1099 or contractor work. Enter a gross annual figure, pick a filing status and add expected 1099 expenses to see estimated take-home pay under federal rules.
The tool uses 2026 IRS brackets, standard deductions for single, married filing jointly and head of household filers, and the $184,500 Social Security wage base. The W-2 side is free. A one-time $5 payment unlocks the 1099 take-home figure, the gap between the two, and quarterly self-employment tax estimates.
It is aimed at anyone estimating the self-employment tax gap before switching from employment to contract work. Results cover federal estimates only and omit state tax, and the site states it is not tax, legal or investment advice.
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