Quarterly estimated tax calculator
Estimated tax payments are due April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. To avoid the penalty, pay at least 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's, 110% if last year's AGI topped $150,000. Enter your numbers to see each payment.
Updated November 2026
Calculator
Federal only. Uses 2026 brackets, the standard deduction, the QBI deduction and self-employment tax. Your state may want its own estimates. An estimate, not tax advice.
How are quarterly estimated taxes calculated?
The calculator estimates your 2026 federal tax on business profit and wages: self-employment tax, plus income tax after the standard deduction and the qualified business income deduction. Then it applies the safe harbor rules. You avoid the underpayment penalty if your withholding and estimates add up to the smaller of 90% of this year's tax, or 100% of last year's total tax (110% if your adjusted gross income last year was over $150,000).
Using last year's tax is often the easier target when income is growing, because you know the number already. You settle the rest when you file.
When are the 2026 payments due?
| Payment | Covers income earned | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | January to March | April 15, 2026 |
| 2nd | April and May | June 15, 2026 |
| 3rd | June to August | September 15, 2026 |
| 4th | September to December | January 15, 2027 |
How do I pay?
Pay online through IRS Direct Pay or your IRS online account, or by EFTPS. Choose "estimated tax" and the 2026 tax year. If you also have a W-2 job, raising your withholding on a new Form W-4 can cover the tax instead, and withholding counts as paid evenly through the year. Our guide to quarterly estimated taxes has the details.
Sources
General information, not tax advice for your situation.
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We run your numbers and show you the options.
See our tax planning and CFO serviceWhat is the penalty for not paying quarterly taxes?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty that works like interest, figured on Form 2210, for each quarter you paid too little. Meeting a safe harbor avoids it.
Do I need to pay estimates if I have a W-2 job?
Only if your withholding won't cover the safe harbor. You can raise your W-4 withholding instead of making quarterly payments.
Can I pay all four estimates at once?
Yes. Paying early is fine. Paying late on any quarter can bring a penalty for that quarter even if you catch up later.
What if my income is uneven?
The annualized income method on Form 2210 lets you match payments to when you earned the money. It takes more work, but it can remove the penalty.
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