IRS Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments — Due Dates & Calculator (2026)

Quick Answer

If you expect to owe $1,000+ in federal taxes, you must make quarterly estimated tax payments.

2026 Due Dates: | Quarter | Period | Due Date | |---|---|---| | Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 15, 2026 | | Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31 | June 15, 2026 | | Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | September 15, 2026 | | Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31 | January 15, 2027 |

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Who Must Pay Estimated Taxes?

You must make estimated tax payments if:

• You expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal income tax
• Your withholding and credits cover less than 90% of this year's tax liability
• Your withholding covers less than 100% of last year's tax liability (110% if AGI > $150K)

Common scenarios:

• Self-employed / freelancers / gig workers
• 1099 contractors with no tax withholding
• Business owners (sole proprietors, partners, S-corp shareholders)
• Investors with significant capital gains or dividends
• Retirees not withholding enough from pensions

How to Calculate Estimated Tax

Method 1: Current Year Method

Estimate your total 2026 income, deductions, and credits. Calculate the tax, subtract withholding, and divide by 4.

Method 2: Prior Year Safe Harbor

Pay at least 100% of your 2025 tax liability in 4 equal installments (110% if AGI > $150,000). This guarantees no underpayment penalty even if you owe more.

| AGI in Prior Year | Safe Harbor Amount | |---|---| | $150,000 or less | 100% of prior year tax | | Over $150,000 | 110% of prior year tax |

Penalty for Underpayment

The underpayment penalty rate for 2026 is approximately 8% per year (adjusted quarterly by IRS). Penalties are calculated separately for each quarter.

How to Avoid Penalties:

1. Pay 90% of current year tax, OR
2. Pay 100% (110% if AGI > $150K) of prior year tax
3. Owe less than $1,000 after subtracting withholding

How to Pay

• IRS Direct Pay: irs.gov/directpay (free, from bank account)
• EFTPS: Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (enrollment required)
• Credit/Debit Card: Convenience fees apply
• Mail: Form 1040-ES with check to IRS

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I miss a quarterly payment?

You'll owe a penalty on the underpaid amount for the number of days it was late. The penalty rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3%. Make the payment ASAP to minimize the penalty.

Can I adjust estimated payments during the year?

Yes! If your income changes significantly, you can adjust remaining quarterly payments. Use the annualized income installment method (Form 2210, Schedule AI) to potentially reduce penalties.

Do I need to pay state estimated taxes too?

Most states with income tax also require estimated payments. Check your state's requirements — rules and due dates may differ from federal.