How do I avoid an underpayment penalty?

Pay at least 90% of the current year's tax or 100% of last year's (110% if prior-year AGI was over $150,000), spread across the four deadlines.

Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator (2026)

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Quarterly Estimated Tax

1040-ES • Self-employed

Filing status

Expected annual self-employment net income

Tax already withheld this year ⓘ

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Enter your income to find your quarterly payment

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

Who has to pay quarterly taxes? ▾

Generally anyone expecting to owe $1,000+ in tax with little or no withholding — freelancers, contractors, gig workers, landlords and investors with large gains.

What are the 2026 due dates? ▾

April 15, June 15, and September 15 of 2026, then January 15, 2027 for the fourth quarter.

How do I avoid a penalty? ▾

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.