Free Accounting Tool

Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator

See how much to send the IRS each quarter, plus all four 2026 Form 1040-ES due dates. Built for freelancers and small business owners.

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Gross 1099 / Schedule C income for the year

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Used for income tax and Social Security wage-base coordination

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Interest, dividends, rent, taxable retirement, etc.

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Sum of quarterly estimates already sent

Divide the remaining balance across unpaid vouchers

2026 quarterly estimated tax

Suggested remaining payment

$2,721.16

Total estimated annual tax
$10,884.63
Federal income tax
$3,113.38
Self-employment tax
$7,771.25
Less: W-2 withholding + YTD payments
$0.00
Remaining balance to cover
$10,884.63

Estimate only. W-2 withholding and YTD estimated payments are subtracted from annual liability before splitting across the installments remaining. Does not model state estimates, safe-harbor annualization, NIIT, capital-gain limits, or QBI phaseouts.

2026 payment schedule

  • Q1

    Due April 15, 2026

    $2,721.16

  • Q2

    Due June 15, 2026

    $2,721.16

  • Q3

    Due September 15, 2026

    $2,721.16

  • Q4

    Due January 15, 2027

    $2,721.16

Frequently asked questions

Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?

Anyone who expects to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax for the year after withholding. This typically includes freelancers, contractors, gig workers, small business owners, landlords, and people with significant investment income.

When are 2026 quarterly estimated taxes due?

April 15, 2026 (Q1), June 15, 2026 (Q2), September 15, 2026 (Q3), and January 15, 2027 (Q4). The Q4 deadline can be skipped if you file your 2026 return and pay any balance due by February 1, 2027.

How does the IRS safe harbor rule work?

You avoid an underpayment penalty if your withholding plus estimated payments cover at least (a) 90% of current year tax, or (b) 100% of prior year tax (110% if your prior-year AGI was over $150,000). Many people just pay 100% of last year's tax in 4 equal installments to be safe.

What happens if I underpay or skip a quarter?

The IRS charges an underpayment penalty calculated quarterly based on the federal short-term rate plus 3%. It is not a flat penalty: each missed or short quarter accrues its own interest until paid or until the tax return is filed.

How do I actually pay?

The easiest way is IRS Direct Pay or the EFTPS system at IRS.gov, both free. You can also mail Form 1040-ES vouchers with a check. State estimates are typically paid separately through your state department of revenue.

Can I just have extra withheld from a W-2 instead?

Yes, and it has a useful quirk: W-2 withholding is treated as paid evenly throughout the year regardless of when it actually happened. This makes increasing late-year withholding a great way to fix an underpayment issue without triggering quarterly penalties.

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