Quarterly Tax Calculator

🇺🇸 Free Tool · 2026 Tax Year
Quarterly Tax Calculator: estimate your 2026 IRS payments in seconds
Work out exactly how much to send the IRS each quarter — self-employment tax and federal income tax combined, with the safe-harbor check that keeps you penalty-proof. Next deadline: September 15, 2026.
Self-employment tax (15.3%)–
Federal income tax (after standard & QBI deductions)–
Estimated total 2026 tax–

2026 estimated tax due dates

Quarter Income earned Payment due
Q1 Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 April 15, 2026
Q2 Apr 1 – May 31, 2026 June 15, 2026
Q3 ← next Jun 1 – Aug 31, 2026 September 15, 2026
Q4 Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2026 January 15, 2027

Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax that isn't covered by withholding, the IRS wants it in four instalments — that covers freelancers, 1099 contractors, gig workers, sole proprietors, LLC owners, partners, and S-corp shareholders. Your payment has to cover both self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of profit, with Social Security capped at $184,500 of earnings in 2026) and federal income tax at your bracket after the 2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single / $32,200 married) and the 20% QBI deduction.

The safe harbor: how to be penalty-proof

If your income is unpredictable, pay 100% of last year's total tax (110% if your adjusted gross income was over $150,000), split into four equal payments. Do that and the IRS cannot charge an underpayment penalty even if you end up owing more in April. Enter last year's tax above and the calculator shows you both numbers — you're allowed to pay the lower one.

Frequently asked questions

How do I pay my quarterly taxes?

IRS Direct Pay or your IRS Online Account are free and pull straight from your bank — choose "estimated tax", tax year 2026, and keep the confirmation number. EFTPS lets you schedule all four in advance.

What happens if I miss a quarterly payment?

The IRS charges an underpayment penalty that accrues like daily interest on the shortfall — even if you pay in full the following April. If you've missed one, pay as soon as possible rather than waiting for the next deadline.

How much should I set aside from each payment I receive?

25–30% of net self-employment income is a safe rule of thumb for most people, covering self-employment tax plus federal income tax. High earners and residents of high-tax states should set aside more.

Do I still pay quarterly if I also have a W-2 job?

Often you can avoid it by increasing withholding at your job instead — withholding counts as paid evenly through the year. Otherwise, yes: your side-income tax is due quarterly once you'd owe $1,000+.

Never miss a quarter again

FincSol Accountancy calculates each quarterly payment from your real numbers, keeps you inside the safe harbor, and reminds you before every deadline. Dedicated personal accountant. No long-term contract.

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Estimates use 2026 federal rates: SE tax 15.3% ($184,500 Social Security wage base), standard deduction $16,100/$32,200, 20% QBI deduction, and 2026 brackets. State income tax is not included. Guidance only — see irs.gov. Related: self-employment tax calculator · S-corp tax calculator.