Updated November 1, 2026 for the 2026 tax year
Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
Nobody withholds tax from self-employment income, so the IRS expects you to pay as you go. In general you need to make estimated payments if you expect to owe at least $1,000 when you file, after subtracting any withholding and credits. That covers most freelancers, gig workers and single-member LLC owners once their business turns a real profit.
2026 due dates
| Payment | Covers income earned | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31 | June 15, 2026 |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | September 15, 2026 |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31 | January 15, 2027 |
The "quarters" are uneven on purpose; that's how the IRS sets them. You can pay online through IRS Direct Pay or your IRS online account.
The safe harbor: how to avoid the penalty
You won't owe an underpayment penalty if your payments add up to at least the smaller of 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's total tax. If last year's adjusted gross income was over $150,000 ($75,000 married filing separately), the last-year figure rises to 110%. Enter last year's tax above and the calculator shows whichever payment is lower.
What this calculator includes
- Self-employment tax on 92.35% of profit, with the 2026 Social Security wage base of $184,500 reduced by any W-2 wages.
- The deduction for half of your SE tax.
- The 2026 standard deduction: $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household.
- The 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction, simplified for incomes under the phase-out.
- The 2026 federal brackets, 10% through 37%.
It leaves out credits, itemized deductions and state income tax. Treat the result as a planning number and confirm it with your tax preparer.
Common questions
When is the next quarterly tax payment due?
The fourth payment for 2026 income is due January 15, 2027. The first payment for 2027 income is due April 15, 2027.
Do I have to pay quarterly taxes if I have a W-2 job too?
Maybe not. If your paycheck withholding covers enough of your total tax to meet the safe harbor, you can skip estimated payments or raise your W-4 withholding instead. Enter your wages and withholding above to see what's left.
What happens if I miss a quarterly payment?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty, figured like interest on the amount that was late for the days it was late. Paying late is better than not paying; the penalty stops growing once you pay.
Does a single-member LLC pay quarterly taxes?
Yes. A single-member LLC is taxed like a sole proprietorship by default, so the owner reports profit on Schedule C and makes estimated payments personally.
Sources: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 inflation adjustments), Social Security Administration 2026 wage base, IRS Publication 505 and Form 1040-ES.