What are estimated taxes?

Estimated taxes are quarterly payments self-employed workers, freelancers, and others without payroll withholding make directly to the IRS throughout the year. They're due in April, June, September, and January. Miss them and you may owe a penalty.

Because the U.S. tax system is pay-as-you-go, anyone with income that isn't subject to automatic payroll withholding must send payments to the IRS directly, four times per year. This applies to self-employed individuals, freelancers, sole proprietors, partners, and S-corp shareholders who take distributions, as well as employees who have significant side income (rental income, investments, or large bonuses) that isn't adequately covered by withholding.

Who needs to pay estimated taxes?

The IRS generally requires estimated tax payments if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax after subtracting withholding and credits. If your only income is a W-2 job and your withholding covers your full liability, you typically don't need to make estimated payments. The IRS estimated tax page (Form 1040-ES) has the current thresholds and worksheets.

When are estimated tax payments due?

There are four payment periods each year. The due dates are typically April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. When a due date falls on a weekend or holiday it shifts to the next business day. Check IRS Topic 306 for the current year's exact dates.

Use IRS Form 1040-ES to calculate and mail estimated payments, or pay online via IRS Direct Pay.
The 'safe harbor' rule: pay 100% of last year's tax liability (110% if AGI exceeded $150,000) to avoid penalties.
Alternatively, pay at least 90% of the current year's expected liability to avoid the underpayment penalty.
Each quarter covers a specific period — overpaying one quarter doesn't offset underpaying another.
State estimated taxes are separate from federal; most states with income tax have their own quarterly schedule.

How to calculate what you owe

The simplest approach for many small-business owners and freelancers is the safe harbor method: pay 100% of last year's total federal tax liability in four equal installments (or 110% if your prior-year adjusted gross income exceeded $150,000). This protects you from an underpayment penalty regardless of how much more you earn this year. A tax professional or the IRS Form 1040-ES worksheet can help you estimate more precisely if income is uneven.

IRS estimated tax facts

You generally must pay estimated taxes if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax for the year after subtracting withholding and refundable credits. — IRS
The safe harbor for avoiding the underpayment penalty is paying 100% of the prior year's tax liability (or 110% if prior-year AGI was more than $150,000). — IRS
Estimated tax payments can be made online through IRS Direct Pay, by card through an IRS-approved processor, or by mailing a check with Form 1040-ES. — IRS

Key takeaways

Estimated taxes are quarterly payments for income not covered by payroll withholding — self-employed, freelancers, and landlords typically need them.
You're generally required to pay if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax after withholding and credits.
Due dates fall in April, June, September, and January — missing one can trigger a penalty even if you pay in full at filing.
The safe harbor rule (pay 100%/110% of last year's tax) is the simplest way to avoid underpayment penalties.
Consult a tax professional to calibrate amounts if your income fluctuates significantly quarter to quarter.