Estimated Tax Payments Guide (2026) - Quarterly Payment Rules
Estimated tax payment guide: who must pay, quarterly deadlines, calculation methods, and underpayment penalties.
Summary
Estimated taxes required if: self-employment income, no withholding, expect >$1,000 tax due. Quarterly deadlines: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15.
Key Steps
- 1Who must pay: self-employed, freelancers, investors with significant income.
- 2Threshold: expect >$1,000 tax due after withholding.
- 3Quarterly deadlines: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15 of next year.
- 4Calculation: 100% of prior year tax or 90% of current year expected tax.
- 5Underpayment penalty: interest on unpaid amount, ~8% annually.
- 6Safe harbor: pay 100% of prior year tax to avoid penalty.