How do I calculate quarterly estimated taxes for 2026?

Add your self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of net profit) and your federal income tax (based on 2026 brackets, after the SE tax deduction). Divide the annual total by 4 for equal quarterly payments. The IRS due dates are April 15, June 16, September 15, and January 15.

What percentage should I set aside for self-employment taxes?

Most self-employed people and freelancers should set aside 25–30% of every payment received. This covers both self-employment tax (15.3%) and federal income tax. At higher income levels ($80k+), the percentage can reach 35%+. This calculator gives you the exact number for your income.

When are 2026 quarterly estimated tax payments due?

The 2026 quarterly estimated tax due dates are: Q1 — April 15, 2026; Q2 — June 16, 2026; Q3 — September 15, 2026; Q4 — January 15, 2027. Missing a payment can result in an underpayment penalty even if you pay the full amount by April.

What happens if I miss a quarterly estimated tax payment?

The IRS charges an underpayment penalty — currently around 7–8% annualized — on the amount that should have been paid by each deadline. This applies even if you pay the full balance by Tax Day. The penalty is calculated separately for each missed quarter, so paying late in one quarter doesn't offset another.

Can I pay all my taxes in April instead of making quarterly payments?

Technically yes, but you will likely owe an underpayment penalty if your total tax bill exceeds $1,000. The exception is if you qualify for the IRS safe harbor rule: paying at least 100% of last year's tax liability (or 110% if your prior-year AGI exceeded $150,000) through withholding or estimated payments shields you from the penalty.

What is the safe harbor rule for estimated taxes?

The IRS safe harbor rule lets you avoid underpayment penalties by paying at least 100% of your prior-year tax liability across the four quarterly deadlines (110% if your prior-year adjusted gross income was over $150,000). This is useful when your current-year income is unpredictable — you base payments on a known number rather than estimating this year's income.

Do I need to pay quarterly estimated taxes if I also have a W-2 job?

It depends on how much self-employment income you earn and how much withholding your W-2 job covers. If your W-2 withholding is large enough to cover your total tax liability (including the self-employment side income), you may not need to pay separately. If the combined liability will exceed $1,000 more than what's withheld, you should make quarterly payments on the difference.

Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator 2026 — Self-Employed & Small Business

What are quarterly estimated taxes?

Quarterly estimated taxes are IRS pay-as-you-go payments made four times per year by self-employed workers, freelancers, and small business owners. Required when you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year, each payment covers both self-employment tax (15.3%) and federal income tax. The 2026 due dates are April 15, June 16, September 15, and January 15, 2027.

Your Numbers

Your 2026 income

Expected net profit after business expenses, before taxes

Filing status

Other household W-2 income if spouse has a salaried job

Results

Enter your expected 2026 net profit to see your SE tax, federal income tax, quarterly payment schedule, and exact savings rate.

Your 2026 tax picture

Self-employment tax

15.3% on 92.35% of net profit

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Federal income tax (est.)

After SE deduction, 2026 brackets

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Total annual tax
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Effective tax rate

% of your net profit

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2026 quarterly payment schedule

Q1 2026

Due Apr 15, 2026

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Q2 2026

Due Jun 16, 2026

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Q3 2026

Due Sep 15, 2026

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Q4 2026

Due Jan 15, 2027

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Set aside from every payment

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of every dollar of revenue to cover your quarterly taxes

Quarterly tax benchmarks for self-employed workers

Self-employed workers owe 15.3% SE tax on the first $168,600 of net earnings in 2026, plus 2.9% above that threshold
The IRS estimates roughly 40% of self-employed filers underpay quarterly taxes and face an underpayment penalty averaging $150–$500
Safe harbor rule: pay either 100% of last year's tax or 90% of this year's liability — whichever is smaller — to avoid penalties
Freelancers earning $50,000 net typically owe $1,800–$2,500 per quarter; at $100,000 net, expect $3,500–$4,500 per quarter

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Related Calculators

This calculator is for informational purposes only. Results are estimates based on the inputs you provide. Consult a qualified financial professional before making business decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone expecting to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes after subtracting withholding and credits must pay quarterly estimates. This includes freelancers, self-employed individuals, sole proprietors, partners, and S-Corp shareholders who receive profit distributions. W-2 employees with withheld taxes typically do not need to.

The four payment deadlines for 2026 are: April 15 (Q1), June 16 (Q2), September 15 (Q3), and January 15, 2027 (Q4). Missing a deadline triggers an underpayment penalty of approximately 8% annualized on the shortfall. Paying even a partial amount before the deadline reduces the penalty.

Estimate your annual net income, subtract deductions, calculate income tax and self-employment tax on the result, then divide by four. A simpler safe-harbor method: pay 100% of last year's tax liability in equal quarterly installments (110% if your prior-year AGI exceeded $150,000). Either method avoids underpayment penalties.

The safe harbor rule means you avoid underpayment penalties if you pay at least 100% of last year's tax liability (or 110% if prior-year AGI exceeded $150,000), regardless of what you actually owe this year. This method removes guesswork from quarterly estimates and protects you from penalties even if your income rises significantly.

Yes. The IRS Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is free and allows you to schedule payments in advance. You can also pay via IRS Direct Pay at irs.gov/payments. Both accept ACH bank transfers at no cost. Payment processors like PayPal are also accepted but charge a convenience fee of approximately 1.87%.

Missing a deadline does not trigger an immediate IRS penalty notice. The penalty is calculated when you file your annual return. The underpayment penalty rate is approximately 8% annualized on the amount owed. Making a late payment as soon as possible reduces the penalty significantly. You will not lose your business or face criminal charges for a missed quarterly payment.