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.
See also: Self-Employment Tax Calculator and Federal Tax Calculator.