Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator
Calculate your quarterly estimated tax payments with federal income tax, self-employment tax, and state tax.
Income Details
Quarterly Payment
$5,781
Total annual tax: $23,121 · Effective rate: 23.9%
Underpayment penalty risk — increase payments
Quarterly Payment Schedule
| Quarter | Due Date | Federal | SE Tax | State | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April 15, 2026 | $1,955 | $2,826 | $1,000 | $5,781 |
| Q2 | June 15, 2026 | $1,955 | $2,826 | $1,000 | $5,781 |
| Q3 | September 15, 2026 | $1,955 | $2,826 | $1,000 | $5,781 |
| Q4 | January 15, 2027 | $1,955 | $2,826 | $1,000 | $5,781 |
Tax Summary
Safe Harbor
Pay at least $15,000 (100% of prior year tax) to avoid underpayment penalties.
Tips
- Deduct business expenses to lower both income tax and self-employment tax.
- Consider an S-Corp election to potentially reduce SE tax on earnings above a reasonable salary.
- You may face an underpayment penalty. Increase quarterly payments or W-2 withholding.
- Use IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS to make quarterly payments electronically — it's free.
- Don't forget state estimated payments — penalties apply separately.
Who Needs to Pay Quarterly Taxes?
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax that isn't covered by withholding, the IRS requires quarterly estimated payments. This applies to freelancers, self-employed individuals, gig workers, landlords with rental income, and investors with significant capital gains. Missing payments triggers an underpayment penalty — even if you pay in full at tax time.
2026 Quarterly Tax Due Dates
| Quarter | Income Period | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | January 1 – March 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 | April 1 – May 31 | June 15, 2026 |
| Q3 | June 1 – August 31 | September 15, 2026 |
| Q4 | September 1 – December 31 | January 15, 2027 |
If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
Self-Employment Tax Breakdown (2026)
| Component | Rate | Wage Base |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 12.4% | First $168,600 |
| Medicare | 2.9% | All income |
| Additional Medicare | 0.9% | Over $200,000 ($250K joint) |
| Total SE Tax | 15.3% | On 92.35% of net SE income |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safe harbor rule?
You won't owe an underpayment penalty if you pay at least 100% of last year's tax liability (110% if your AGI exceeded $150,000) or 90% of this year's liability. Most freelancers use the prior-year method because it's simpler and protects against income fluctuations.
Can I avoid quarterly payments if I also have a W-2 job?
Yes — increase withholding on your W-2 job using Form W-4. W-2 withholding is treated as paid evenly throughout the year, so even a December adjustment covers all four quarters. This is simpler than four separate estimated payments.
What happens if I miss a quarterly payment deadline?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty, currently around 7% annually, calculated on the unpaid amount for the number of days late. The penalty applies per quarter, so missing Q1 incurs charges from April through December. File Form 2210 with your annual return to calculate the exact penalty or request a waiver for reasonable cause.
See also: Self-Employment Tax Calculator and Federal Tax Calculator.