Quarterly Tax
Calculator
If you’re self-employed, the IRS typically requires you to pay taxes four times a year. Use this calculator to estimate your quarterly tax payments based on your projected income, business expenses, and tax rate. This is for planning purposes only—your actual liability may vary based on your complete tax situation. For personalized advice, consult a CPA or tax advisor.
What Are Quarterly Estimated Taxes?
If you’re self-employed, run a small business, or earn income not subject to withholding (like freelancing, investments, rental income, or dividends), the IRS expects you to pay estimated taxes quarterly throughout the year—rather than waiting until April.
These payments cover:
Income tax
Self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare)
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) or other obligations, if applicable
When Are Quarterly Taxes Due?
Here are the IRS quarterly tax payment deadlines for the 2025 tax year:
| Quarter | Period Covered | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | January 1 – March 31 | April 15, 2025 |
| Q2 | April 1 – May 31 | June 16, 2025 |
| Q3 | June 1 – August 31 | September 15, 2025 |
| Q4 | September 1 – December 31 | January 15, 2026 |
If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, it’s moved to the next business day.
Penalties for Not Paying Enough
If you underpay your quarterly taxes or pay late, the IRS can assess penalties and interest. Common triggers:
Owing more than $1,000 at tax time
Not paying at least 90% of current year taxes, or
Not paying 100% of last year’s tax (110% if AGI > $150k)
These are calculated using IRS Form 2210.
What Counts as Self-Employment Income?
Freelance/contractor earnings (1099)
Side businesses
Gig economy work (Uber, DoorDash, etc.)
Online sales or content creation
Rental income (if treated as business)
Interest, dividends, and capital gains (may require estimated tax)
How to Pay Estimated Taxes
Online:
IRS Direct Pay (bank account)
IRS.gov/pay (credit/debit/ACH)
By Mail:
Use Form 1040-ES payment vouchers.Through IRS2Go App (mobile)
EFTPS.gov:
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (good for businesses)
Who Needs to Pay Quarterly Taxes?
You likely need to if you:
Are self-employed
Earn gig income
Receive dividends, capital gains, or interest
Have rental income or pass-through entity income (e.g., K-1)
Don’t have enough withheld from a W-2 job to cover all your tax
* If your income fluctuates throughout the year, you can use the annualized installment method (via Form 2210) to adjust quarterly payments and avoid penalties.
Quarterly estimated tax payments keep you compliant and help avoid unpleasant surprises at tax time. If you’re unsure how much to pay, use a quarterly tax calculator or consult a CPA or enrolled agent for a tailored estimate.
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