Free quarterly estimated tax calculator. Calculate how much to pay each quarter for self-employment, investment, or other income not subject to withholding.
The Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator determines how much you should pay each quarter in estimated taxes. If you have income not subject to withholding — self-employment, freelance, investment, or rental income — the IRS requires quarterly payments to avoid underpayment penalties.
This calculator estimates your total annual tax liability (income tax plus self-employment tax), subtracts any W-2 withholding, and divides the remainder into four equal quarterly payments. It also shows due dates and safe harbor thresholds.
Quarterly payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. Missing these deadlines triggers an underpayment penalty that accrues interest from the due date, even if you eventually pay the full amount. The IRS allows two safe harbor methods: pay 100% of your prior year tax liability or 90% of your current year liability. This calculator computes your quarterly amounts using both methods, factors in any W-2 withholding you already have, and shows the exact payment due on each date so you can set up automatic transfers and avoid penalties entirely.
Missing or underpaying quarterly taxes results in penalties that accumulate daily. This calculator ensures you pay enough each quarter to meet the safe harbor and avoid surprises. It is essential for freelancers, gig workers, landlords, and investors. This calculator computes safe harbor amounts so you avoid underpayment penalties regardless of how income fluctuates during the year.
Net SE Income = SE Gross – Business Expenses SE Tax = Net SE Income × 92.35% × 15.3% Income Tax = Bracket Calc on (Total Income – Deductions – 50% SE Tax) Total Liability = Income Tax + SE Tax Required Quarterly = (Total Liability – W-2 Withholding) / 4 Safe Harbor = min(100% current year, 100% prior year) [110% if AGI > $150K]
Result: Estimated quarterly payment: $3,190
Total income $120,000 with $60,000 SE income. SE tax: ~$8,478. Income tax on $120,000 (after deductions + half SE tax): ~$16,282. Total liability: $24,760. Minus $8,000 W-2 withholding = $16,760 due via estimated payments. Quarterly: $4,190. Safe harbor (100% of $18,000 prior year = $2,500/quarter) is lower, so you can pay the safe harbor minimum of $2,500/quarter.
Many freelancers use the "30% rule" — setting aside 30% of every payment received for taxes. This covers both income tax and self-employment tax for most taxpayers in the 22–24% bracket. High earners should set aside 35–40%.
The safest approach is to base payments on 100% of last year's tax (110% if AGI > $150K), divided by four. This guarantees zero penalties regardless of current-year income changes. If you expect significantly lower income this year, use 90% of estimated current-year tax instead.
Most states with income tax also require quarterly estimated payments, often with the same due dates. Check your state's tax authority for specific rules. California, New York, and other high-tax states can add 5–13% to your total estimated payment obligation.
For 2025, the due dates are April 15, June 16 (15th falls on weekend), September 15, and January 15, 2026. If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
Anyone who expects to owe $1,000 or more in tax after subtracting withholding and credits. This commonly includes freelancers, self-employed individuals, landlords, and investors with significant capital gains or dividends.
You can avoid underpayment penalties by paying at least: (1) 90% of the current year's tax, or (2) 100% of last year's tax (110% if your prior-year AGI exceeded $150,000). Meeting either threshold satisfies the safe harbor.
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty on the shortfall for each quarter. The penalty is calculated at the federal short-term rate plus 3%, compounded daily from the due date until the payment date or April 15 of the following year.
Yes. If your income is seasonal or irregular, you can use the annualized installment method to base each quarterly payment on actual income earned that quarter. This requires filing Form 2210 Schedule AI but can save you from overpaying early in the year.
Pay online via IRS Direct Pay (irs.gov), EFTPS, or by mailing a check with a Form 1040-ES voucher. Electronic payments are fastest and provide instant confirmation. You can also pay through tax preparation software.