Tax & Paycheck (US)

Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator

Calculate your quarterly estimated tax payments.

Enter your total estimated annual tax liability to calculate your four quarterly estimated tax payments and due dates.

Enter a valid amount.

Each Quarterly Payment

—

Q1 (Apr 15)

—

Q2 (Jun 15)

—

Q3 (Sep 15)

—

Q4 (Jan 15)

—

How to Use This Tool

  1. Estimate your total annual tax liability (federal income tax + self-employment tax, if applicable).
  2. Enter any tax already withheld from other income sources, if any.
  3. Click Calculate for your four equal quarterly payments.

Quarterly Estimated Tax Due Dates

The IRS requires quarterly estimated tax payments from those with income not subject to withholding (like self-employment or freelance income), due on approximately these dates:

(Exact dates shift slightly if they fall on a weekend or holiday — always verify current-year exact due dates with the IRS.)

The Formula

Each Quarterly Payment = (Total Estimated Annual Tax − Tax Already Withheld) ÷ 4

Avoiding Underpayment Penalties

The IRS generally requires you to pay at least 90% of your current year's tax liability (or 100-110% of your prior year's liability, depending on income level — the "safe harbor" rule) through withholding and estimated payments combined, to avoid an underpayment penalty. Consult a tax professional to determine your specific safe harbor threshold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to pay quarterly estimated taxes?

Generally, anyone who expects to owe at least $1,000 in tax for the year and doesn't have enough withheld through an employer — this commonly includes freelancers, self-employed individuals, and those with significant investment or rental income.

What happens if I underpay my quarterly estimates?

You may owe an underpayment penalty, calculated based on how much you underpaid and for how long — the IRS "safe harbor" rules (generally paying at least 90% of current year or 100-110% of prior year tax) can help you avoid this penalty.

This calculator is provided for general informational and estimation purposes only. Results should not be treated as professional financial, tax, legal, medical, or engineering advice. Always verify critical calculations with a qualified professional or official source before making decisions.