Quarterly estimated taxes: who pays and when
If you’re self-employed or have income without withholding, the IRS expects tax four times a year. Here’s how to know if that’s you and how much to send.
The short answer
If you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax that withholding won’t cover, you generally pay estimated tax four times a year: April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15 of the following year.
Who needs to pay
Most people with self-employment, rental or investment income that isn’t subject to withholding. The test is simple: if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file, after withholding and credits, you should be paying during the year.
The four due dates
Payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15. When a date lands on a weekend or federal holiday, it moves to the next business day. The periods aren’t equal: the June payment covers just two months.
How much to pay: the safe harbors
You avoid the underpayment penalty if your payments plus withholding cover at least 90% of this year’s tax, or 100% of last year’s tax. If last year’s adjusted gross income was over $150,000, that second test rises to 110%.
How to pay
IRS Direct Pay, your IRS online account and EFTPS all work. Keep the confirmation numbers with your tax records.
Questions
What happens if I miss an estimated tax payment?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty that works like interest on the amount that was short, for the time it was late. Pay as soon as you can to stop it growing.
Do I also pay state estimated taxes?
Usually, if your state has an income tax. Most states follow a similar quarterly schedule, but check your state’s dates and thresholds.
Your situation isn’t general. A CPA can tell you how this applies to you.
Ask about thisGeneral information as of October 2026, not advice for your situation. Tax rules change; check with a professional before acting.