Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator
Freelancers and 1099 contractors don't have an employer withholding taxes for them - the IRS expects four estimated payments a year instead. This calculator works out how much to send each quarter, including self-employment tax, federal and state income tax, and any withholding from a W-2 job. Figures are for US tax year 2025.
Who has to pay quarterly
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax for the year after subtracting withholding, the IRS wants you to pay it in four installments as you earn - not in one lump sum at filing time. Most full-time freelancers and contractors fall into this bucket because no one withholds taxes from a 1099 payment. If you also have a W-2 job, the withholding from that paycheck counts against your bill, and you only owe estimated payments on the gap.
The four 2025 due dates
- Q1: April 15, 2025
- Q2: June 16, 2025
- Q3: September 15, 2025
- Q4: January 15, 2026
The "year" is split unevenly, but paying one-quarter of your expected annual tax on each date is the simplest way to stay current.
Safe-harbor rules: how to avoid a penalty
You won't be penalized for underpaying if you hit a safe harbor. Pay the smaller of 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's total tax. If your prior-year adjusted gross income was over $150,000, the second figure rises to 110%. Because last year's number is known and fixed, many freelancers simply divide it by four and pay that - even if this year's income climbs, they stay penalty-free.
How to pay
- IRS Direct Pay - free, pulls straight from your bank account, no enrollment needed. The easiest option for most people.
- EFTPS - the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System lets you schedule payments in advance; requires a one-time enrollment.
- Form 1040-ES - mail a paper voucher with a check if you prefer not to pay online.
Remember your state too: most states with an income tax have their own estimated-payment portal and follow the same quarterly schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes? +
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax for the year after subtracting any withholding, the IRS expects you to make quarterly estimated payments. This applies to most freelancers, contractors, and gig workers who receive 1099 income with no taxes withheld. If a W-2 job already withholds enough to cover your total tax, you may not need to pay separately.
When are the 2025 estimated tax payments due? +
There are four deadlines for 2025: April 15, 2025 (Q1), June 16, 2025 (Q2), September 15, 2025 (Q3), and January 15, 2026 (Q4). If a date falls on a weekend or holiday it shifts to the next business day. Each payment covers the income you earned in that period, but the simplest approach is to pay one-quarter of your expected annual tax each time.
What is the safe-harbor rule? +
You avoid an underpayment penalty if you pay at least 90% of this year's tax, or 100% of last year's total tax, whichever is smaller. If your prior-year adjusted gross income was over $150,000, that second figure rises to 110%. Paying the safe-harbor amount in four equal installments is the easiest way to stay penalty-free even if your income jumps.
How do I actually pay the IRS? +
The easiest free option is IRS Direct Pay, which pulls from your bank account with no fee. You can also enroll in EFTPS (the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) for scheduled payments, or mail a check with a Form 1040-ES voucher. Don't forget your state - most states with an income tax have their own estimated-payment portal and the same quarterly cadence.
What happens if I miss a quarterly payment? +
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty, calculated like interest on the amount you should have paid for each period you were short. It's usually modest, but it adds up. If you missed a quarter, pay as soon as you can to stop the penalty from growing, and consider increasing later payments to catch up.
Does this calculator include self-employment tax? +
Yes. The total annual tax it splits into four payments includes self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare), federal income tax, and your effective state income tax - after the standard deduction and QBI deduction. It then subtracts any taxes already withheld from a W-2 job before dividing by four.
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