Quarterly estimated tax calculator
How much should I pay the IRS each quarter, and when is the next payment due?
How it works
- Estimate this year's profit: income minus business expenses.
- Add self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of profit) and federal income tax using 2026 brackets, the standard deduction, half of self-employment tax and the 20% business income deduction.
- Divide by four for each payment. If you know last year's total tax, paying 100% of it (110% if last year's AGI was over $150,000) spread over the four dates generally avoids an underpayment penalty.
- Most states have their own estimated payments.
Worked example
A single freelancer expecting $60,000 of profit owes about $12,037 in federal tax ($8,478 self-employment tax + $3,559 income tax), or $3,009 a quarter. If last year's total tax was $8,000, paying $2,000 a quarter meets the safe harbor.
2026 figures used
| Figure | 2026 | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Self-employment tax | 15.3% on 92.35% of profit | IRS: self-employment tax |
| Social Security wage base | $184,500 | 2026 Social Security wage base |
| Standard deduction (single) | $16,100 | IRS 2026 inflation adjustments |
| Safe harbor | 100% of last year's tax (110% over $150,000 AGI), or 90% of this year's | IRS Publication 505 |
| Due dates | Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, Jan 15 (moved when on a weekend or holiday) | Taxpayer Advocate 2026 tax dates |
Try it with your own numbers
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For planning, not tax advice. Check with a tax professional for your situation. Figures as of October 2026; updated each January. Source list: nettakehome.com/guides/2026-tax-numbers/