Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator
Tax year: 2026 · Last updated 2026-06-21 · Source: IRS
Reviewed by Dr. Julian Vance, co-founder, lead data architect & primary author · 2026-06-21
Your projected Schedule C net profit for the year.
W-2 wages, a spouse's income, interest, etc.
Federal tax withheld from a job or covered by credits.
Estimated quarterly payment
$4,162
$16,647 total for 2026, paid in 4 installments
Payment schedule
- Q1 · April 15, 2026$4,162
- Q2 · June 15, 2026$4,162
- Q3 · September 15, 2026$4,162
- Q4 · January 15, 2027$4,162
How quarterly estimated taxes are calculated
Employees have income tax withheld from every paycheck. As a freelancer or 1099 contractor, no one withholds for you — so the IRS expects you to pre-pay your tax in four estimated payments (Form 1040-ES) across the year. Those payments have to cover both your federal income tax and your self-employment tax.
The steps this calculator follows
- Self-employment tax is computed first (12.4% Social Security + 2.9% Medicare on 92.35% of net profit), along with the deductible half.
- Adjusted gross income = other household income + your net profit − the deductible half of SE tax.
- Taxable income = AGI − the standard deduction (and the optional 20% QBI deduction, if you qualify).
- Income tax is applied using the federal marginal brackets for your filing status.
- Total tax = income tax + SE tax. Subtract any withholding, then divide by four for each quarterly payment.
A worked example
A single freelancer expects $80,000 of net profit in 2025, with no other income and no withholding:
- SE tax: $11,304 (deductible half $5,652)
- AGI: $80,000 − $5,652 = $74,348
- Taxable income: $74,348 − $15,750 standard deduction = $58,598
- Income tax (2025 single brackets): $7,806
- Total tax: $7,806 + $11,304 = $19,110
- Each quarterly payment: $19,110 ÷ 4 ≈ $4,777
Safe harbor:you generally avoid an underpayment penalty if you pay at least 90% of this year's tax, or 100% of last year's (110% if your prior-year AGI topped $150,000). A practical habit is to set aside 25–30% of every payment in a separate account so the quarterly bill is already covered.
This is a federal estimate for ordinary income using the standard deduction. It does not include state estimated taxes, itemized deductions, capital gains, or credits beyond withholding. Confirm against the IRS sources below or a tax professional.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?+
Generally, if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax after withholding and credits — which is common for freelancers and 1099 contractors with no employer withholding — the IRS expects you to make estimated payments four times a year using Form 1040-ES. Estimated payments cover both income tax and self-employment tax.
When are the 2026 quarterly tax deadlines?+
For the 2026 tax year the federal due dates are April 15, 2026 (Q1), June 15, 2026 (Q2), September 15, 2026 (Q3), and January 15, 2027 (Q4). If a date falls on a weekend or holiday it moves to the next business day.
How do I avoid an underpayment penalty (the safe harbor)?+
You generally avoid a penalty if your total withholding plus estimated payments equals at least 90% of your current-year tax, or 100% of last year's tax (110% if your prior-year AGI was over $150,000). Paying the smaller of those two is the 'safe harbor.' This calculator estimates your current-year liability; compare it to last year's total tax to choose your target.
Does this include self-employment tax?+
Yes. Estimated taxes must cover both federal income tax and self-employment (Social Security + Medicare) tax. This tool computes your SE tax first, then your income tax on what's left after the deductible half of SE tax and your standard deduction, and adds them together.
What is the QBI deduction option?+
The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction lets many self-employed people deduct up to 20% of their business income. We apply a simplified 20% deduction when your taxable income is under the IRS threshold ($197,300 single / $394,600 married filing jointly for 2025). Above that threshold, wage and business-type limits apply that are beyond this estimate — leave the box unchecked or consult a professional.
Related calculators
Self Employment Tax Calculator
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Freelance Take-Home Pay Calculator
See what you actually keep after self employment tax, income tax, and business expenses.