How much do I owe in quarterly taxes?
Enter your expected income and expenses. Get your exact quarterly payment, the right set-aside percentage, and your full 2026 payment schedule.
Q1 payment due April 15, 2026 — 36 days away
Your 2026 Numbers
Your gross business income this year
Business deductions — software, gear, home office, etc.
W2 job, spouse income, etc. (optional)
Your next quarterly payment (Q1)
$5,683
due April 15, 2026
Annual Tax
$22,732
Effective Rate
25.3%
Set Aside
30.0%
Self-Employment Tax (15.3%)
$12,717
Social Security + Medicare
Federal Income Tax
$10,015
22.0% marginal bracket
2026 Payment Schedule
$5,683
April 15, 2026
$5,683
June 16, 2026
$5,683
September 15, 2026
$5,683
January 15, 2027
Equal quarterly payments assume even income throughout the year. If your income is seasonal, annualized income method may save you money.
Set aside 30.0% of every payment you receive
Move this percentage into a separate savings account every time you get paid. When quarterly deadlines hit, the money is already there. No surprises.
Get a reminder before each deadline
We'll email you 2 weeks before Q2, Q3, and Q4 payments are due. No spam — just the deadline, the amount, and a link back here.
Estimates based on 2025 federal tax rates. Does not include state income tax, NIIT, or AMT. Actual tax may vary. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
Common questions
Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
Anyone who expects to owe at least $1,000 in federal taxes for the year and doesn't have an employer withholding taxes. This includes freelancers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, LLC owners, and anyone with significant 1099 income.
What are the 2026 quarterly tax deadlines?
Q1 (Jan–Mar): April 15, 2026. Q2 (Apr–May): June 16, 2026. Q3 (Jun–Aug): September 15, 2026. Q4 (Sep–Dec): January 15, 2027. Missing a deadline triggers an underpayment penalty from the IRS.
What happens if I miss a quarterly tax payment?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty — currently around 8% annualized on the amount you should have paid. It's not a huge amount but it adds up. You can avoid it entirely by paying at least 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's tax (110% if your income is over $150K).
What is self-employment tax and why is it 15.3%?
Self-employment tax covers Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%) — the same taxes an employer and employee would split. When you work for yourself, you pay both sides. The 15.3% applies to 92.35% of your net self-employment income (a small adjustment the IRS allows). You can deduct half of your SE tax on your income tax return.
How much of each payment should I set aside for taxes?
A safe rule for most self-employed people earning $50K–$200K net is to set aside 25–30% of every payment you receive. Move this into a separate savings account immediately — treat it as gone. When quarterly deadlines hit, the money is already there.
Does this calculator include state income tax?
No — this calculator covers federal self-employment tax and federal income tax only. Most states also charge income tax (California tops out at 13.3%). Add another 5–10% on top of your federal estimate depending on your state.