Last updated: April 2026 · Data: IRS, BLS, state sources
Quarterly estimated taxes are periodic tax payments made to the IRS (and often state tax authorities) by individuals who receive income without tax withholding. This primarily applies to self-employed individuals, freelancers, landlords, and investors. The IRS operates on a pay-as-you-go system, and estimated payments fulfill this obligation for income that is not subject to employer withholding.
You must make estimated payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax after subtracting withholding and credits. Failure to pay results in underpayment penalties, which are essentially interest charges calculated quarterly.
| Quarter | Income Period | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31 | June 16, 2026 |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | September 15, 2026 |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31 | January 15, 2027 |
A safe harbor approach is to pay either 100% of your prior year tax (110% if AGI exceeded $150,000) or 90% of your current year tax, divided into four equal payments. For a complete guide to calculating and paying quarterly taxes, see our Quarterly Tax Guide for Freelancers.