TaxWrenTaxes for Tennessee freelancers in 2026
For a single freelancer with $85,000 of 1099 profit, that means the whole tax bill is federal: $12,010 of self-employment tax and $5,790 of income tax, or 20.9% of profit.
No neighboring state taxes this income less. Mississippi, North Carolina, Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, Georgia, Alabama and Virginia would charge up to $3,728 more.
Tennessee vs. neighboring states
Tax on $85,000 of 1099 profit for a single filer in 2026. The median across all 50 states and DC is $2,729 of state income tax.
| State | State tax | Total tax | Take-home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $0 | $17,800 | $67,200 |
| Alabama | $3,685 | $21,485 | $63,515 |
| Arkansas | $2,723 | $20,523 | $64,477 |
| Georgia | $3,193 | $20,993 | $64,007 |
| Kentucky | $2,647 | $20,447 | $64,553 |
| Missouri | $2,775 | $20,575 | $64,425 |
| Mississippi | $2,428 | $20,228 | $64,772 |
| North Carolina | $2,643 | $20,443 | $64,557 |
| Virginia | $3,728 | $21,528 | $63,472 |
How Tennessee taxes changed
Tennessee had no wage income tax in 2025 either.
| 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Top income tax rate | None | None |
| Standard deduction (single) | — | — |
| State tax on $85,000 of 1099 profit | $0 | $0 |
| Take-home on a $75,000 salary | $61,314 | $61,593 |
Each year uses that year's federal and Tennessee rules, so the take-home row also reflects federal changes. Federal changes · All data updates
Sources: Tennessee revenue department, Tax Foundation, State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32. See our methodology.
Tennessee 1099 tax FAQ
Does Tennessee have a state income tax?
Tennessee does not tax wages or self-employment income. Freelancers there pay only federal income tax and self-employment tax.
How much should a freelancer in Tennessee set aside for taxes?
A single filer with $85,000 of 1099 profit and no other income should set aside about 21% of every payment in 2026: $12,010 self-employment tax, $5,790 federal income tax and $0 Tennessee income tax. Use the calculator for your own income, expenses and filing status.