Self-employed or freelancing? Estimate your federal income + self-employment tax and the quarterly payment to send the IRS so you avoid penalties. ✓ 2026 figures
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Quarterly Estimated Tax
1040-ES • Self-employed
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Enter your income to find your quarterly payment
Pay each quarter
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Self-employment tax
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Federal income tax
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Total annual tax
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Effective tax rate
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2026 due dates: Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, and Jan 15 (2027). Pay at least 90% of this year's tax (or 100–110% of last year's) to avoid an underpayment penalty.
Your tax breakdown
How the Estimated Tax Calculator Works
Enter your expected self-employment net income for the year.
Add any tax already withheld from a W-2 job.
See your quarterly payment — total tax minus withholding, divided by four.
Quarterly Estimated Taxes for the Self-Employed
If you're a freelancer, contractor, gig worker or small-business owner, the IRS expects tax payments four times a year rather than once. This calculator estimates your self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of net profit) plus federal income tax (2026 brackets after the standard deduction and half-SE deduction), subtracts any withholding, and splits the rest into four equal payments.
Pay by the deadlines — Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, and Jan 15 — and aim for the safe harbor (90% of this year's tax, or 100% of last year's, 110% if high income) to dodge the underpayment penalty. This is a simplified estimate excluding state tax, credits and deductions beyond the standard deduction. Not tax advice.
Estimated Tax FAQ
Generally anyone expecting to owe $1,000+ in tax with little or no withholding — freelancers, contractors, gig workers, landlords and investors with large gains.
April 15, June 15, and September 15 of 2026, then January 15, 2027 for the fourth quarter.
Pay at least 90% of the current year's tax or 100% of last year's (110% if your prior-year AGI was over $150,000), spread across the four deadlines.