Quarterly Tax Payments: When, How, and How Much to Pay

Who Needs to Make Quarterly Payments?

If you're self-employed and expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes for the year, you're required to make quarterly estimated tax payments. This applies to freelancers, independent contractors, gig workers, and small business owners.

2026 Quarterly Payment Deadlines

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How to Calculate Your Quarterly Payment

The simplest approach is:

1. Estimate your total annual tax liability (SE tax + income tax)

2. Divide by 4 for equal quarterly payments

3. Alternatively, use the annualized income method if your income varies significantly throughout the year

Safe Harbor Rules

To avoid underpayment penalties, pay at least:

How to Make Payments

You can pay quarterly estimated taxes through:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not paying quarterly and facing penalties at tax time

2. Underestimating income early in the year

3. Forgetting state quarterly payments — many states also require them

4. Not adjusting for income changes throughout the year