Texas: No State Income Tax, but Federal Self-Employment Tax Still Applies
Texas does not have a state personal income tax, so the net profit from your Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, Etsy and other gig work is taxed only at the federal level. This calculator sets your Texas income tax to $0 and runs the full federal calculation: 15.3% self-employment tax on 92.35% of your net profit, plus federal income tax after the standard deduction and the 20% QBI deduction. "No state income tax" does not mean "low tax." For a gig worker, self-employment tax is often the largest part of the bill, and it applies in every state.
Texas still has other taxes that can affect a gig business. Sole proprietors are generally not subject to the Texas franchise tax, but LLCs and corporations can be once their revenue passes the state's threshold. Sales tax applies to many goods, and marketplaces such as Etsy generally collect and remit it for your sales. If you sell products directly, you may need a sales tax permit from the state Comptroller.
How This Texas Calculator Works
Net profit = Total gross − (Combined miles × $0.76) − Shared expenses
Self-employment tax = Net profit × 92.35% × 15.3%
Federal income tax = 2026 brackets on (Net profit − ½ SE tax − Standard deduction − QBI deduction)
Texas income tax = $0 (no state personal income tax)
The calculator uses the 2026 federal tables and the $0.76 standard mileage rate (72.5¢ before July 1, 2026, with one rate applied to all miles). Read our full methodology for sources and limits.
Worked Example: Uber, DoorDash and Instacart in Texas
Scenario: a single driver living in Texas with $18,000 from Uber, $9,000 from DoorDash and $6,000 from Instacart ($33,000 total), 22,000 combined miles and $1,200 of shared expenses. No other income.
- Mileage deduction: 22,000 × $0.76 = $16,720. Net profit: $33,000 − $16,720 − $1,200 = $15,080.
- Self-employment tax: $15,080 × 92.35% × 15.3% = $2,131.
- Federal income tax: $0 after the standard deduction.
- Texas income tax: $0, because Texas has no state personal income tax.
- Total tax: $2,131, or about $533 to set aside each quarter. Net take-home pay is $12,949.
This is the no-state-tax baseline. A resident of California or New York with the same income would pay additional state income tax on top.
Texas Estimated Tax Payments
Other Texas Taxes and Rules to Know
- Franchise tax. Sole proprietors are generally exempt, but if you form an LLC or corporation, ask a tax professional whether the franchise tax filing applies to you.
- Sales tax. Marketplaces generally collect Texas sales tax on your behalf. Direct sellers may need a permit.
- Working in other states. A Texas resident who earns income in a state with an income tax may owe that state's tax on the earnings. Check each state's rules.
More Calculators for Texas Gig Workers
This is the Texas version of our Multi-Platform 1099 Tax Calculator, where you can pick any state. Use the platform calculators for each app: DoorDash, Uber, Lyft, Instacart and Etsy. Plan your payments with the Quarterly Tax Deadline Calculator and calculate your deduction with the Mileage Deduction Calculator. Browse every tool in our gig and 1099 tax calculator hub or read the Complete Gig Worker Tax Guide for 2026. Other states: California, New York, Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Texas has no state personal income tax, so you owe only federal taxes on your gig profit: self-employment tax and federal income tax. You may still owe local property or sales taxes, but not a state tax on your earnings.
Yes. Self-employment tax is a federal tax of 15.3% on 92.35% of your net profit (up to the Social Security wage base for the Social Security part). It applies in every state, including Texas.
Not for income tax, because Texas has none. Your quarterly estimated payments are federal only, due April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15.
Sole proprietors are generally not subject to the franchise tax. LLCs and corporations may be, depending on revenue. If you plan to form an entity, ask a tax professional before you do.
You may owe income tax to a state where you perform work if that state taxes nonresidents, even though Texas does not tax you. Check the rules for each state where you earn.
The federal part uses the 2026 tax tables and standard mileage rate, and the Texas state tax is $0. It does not include credits, other household income or local taxes, so it is an estimate for planning, not a filing.
Disclaimer: this calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.