Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator — Free 2026 Calculator
If you are self-employed, you owe quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS. Enter your expected income and filing status to see exactly how much to pay each quarter — including income tax and self-employment tax.
Total self-employment income for the year
Standard deduction for Single: $15,700.00
If you also have W-2 income with withholding
What Are Estimated Taxes?
The U.S. tax system is pay-as-you-go. W-2 employees have taxes withheld every paycheck, but self-employed individuals must send payments directly to the IRS four times a year. These are called quarterly estimated tax payments.
You generally need to make estimated payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax after subtracting withholding and refundable credits. The IRS uses Form 1040-ES for these payments, and you can pay online, by phone, or by mail.
The Safe Harbor Rule
The safe harbor rule protects you from underpayment penalties. You qualify if you pay at least:
- 90% of your current-year tax liability, OR
- 100% of your prior-year tax liability (110% if your AGI was over $150,000)
Meeting either threshold means no penalty — even if you still owe at tax time. Many freelancers use last year's return as the baseline to keep payments simple.
Penalties for Underpayment
If you underpay estimated taxes, the IRS charges a penalty calculated as interest on the shortfall for each quarter. The rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points, compounded quarterly. The penalty applies separately to each quarter, so paying more in later quarters does not offset earlier underpayments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are quarterly estimated tax payments?
Quarterly estimated tax payments are how self-employed individuals, freelancers, and independent contractors pay income tax and self-employment tax throughout the year. Since you do not have an employer withholding taxes from your paycheck, the IRS requires you to make four payments per year to avoid underpayment penalties.
When are quarterly taxes due in 2026?
The four quarterly estimated tax payment due dates for 2026 are: Q1 — April 15, 2026; Q2 — June 15, 2026; Q3 — September 15, 2026; Q4 — January 15, 2027. If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
What is the safe harbor rule for estimated taxes?
The safe harbor rule lets you avoid underpayment penalties in two ways: (1) pay at least 90% of your current-year tax liability, or (2) pay 100% of your prior-year tax liability (110% if your AGI exceeds $150,000). Meeting either threshold means no penalty, even if you still owe at filing.
What happens if I miss a quarterly payment?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty calculated as interest on the amount you should have paid. The penalty rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points, applied quarterly. You can use Form 2210 to calculate or request a waiver if you had unusual circumstances.
Do I need to make estimated payments if I also have W-2 income?
If your W-2 withholding covers your total tax liability, you may not need quarterly payments. But if your self-employment income creates a tax gap of $1,000 or more after withholding, the IRS expects estimated payments. You can also increase your W-2 withholding to cover self-employment tax instead.
TaxTidy provides expense organization tools based on the most current US tax law available to it. TaxTidy is not a CPA, Enrolled Agent, or licensed tax professional. All categorizations, deductions, and tax calculations are estimates. Please verify all data for accuracy and consult a certified tax professional before filing.
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