Use Schedule SE (Form 1040) to figure the tax due on net earnings from self-employment. The Social Security Administration uses the information from Schedule SE to figure your benefits under the social security program. This tax applies no matter how old you are and even if you are already getting social security or Medicare benefits.

See Pub. 225 or Pub. 334.

For 2010, the maximum amount of self-employment income subject to social security tax remains $106,800.

For 2010, the amount of gross and net income from self-employment you may have when using the farm optional method or nonfarm optional method has increased. Electing taxpayers can secure up to four credits of social security benefits coverage with $4,480 of net earnings in 2010. See Optional Methods on page SE-5.

For 2010, you may be able to reduce your net self-employment income by the amount of your self-employed health insurance deduction on line 29 of Form 1040 or Form 1040NR. See Line 3 (Short or Long Schedule SE) on page SE-3.