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Quarterly Tax Calculator

Freelancers don't have taxes withheld — that means quarterly payments. This calculator tells you exactly how much to pay each quarter (April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15) based on your income.

Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator

Calculate your IRS quarterly payment to avoid underpayment penalties

Annual Freelance / Self Employment Income ($)

Other Income (W-2 salary, interest, etc.) ($)

Filing Status

📅Quarterly Payment

$4,708

🧾Annual Total Tax

$18,830

🏦Self Employment Tax

$11,304

📊Federal Income Tax

$7,527

Q1 (Apr 15)$4,708

Q2 (Jun 16)$4,708

Q3 (Sep 15)$4,708

Q4 (Jan 15)$4,708

Safe Harbor Tip: Pay 100% of last year's total tax (110% if AGI > $150K) divided by 4 to avoid any underpayment penalty.

Uses 2026 IRS brackets and standard deduction ($16,100 single / $32,200 MFJ). SE tax is only on freelance income. The 50% SE tax deduction has been applied before calculating federal income tax. Does not include state taxes or QBI deduction. Consult a tax professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I pay in quarterly taxes?+

The IRS requires you to pay estimated taxes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year. For most freelancers, paying 100-110% of last year's total tax (110% if AGI > $150k) across four equal quarterly payments avoids underpayment penalties. This calculator computes your quarterly amount automatically.

When are quarterly tax payments due?+

Quarterly estimated taxes are due: Q1 (Jan 1 – Mar 31) → April 15; Q2 (Apr 1 – May 31) → June 15; Q3 (Jun 1 – Aug 31) → September 15; Q4 (Sep 1 – Dec 31) → January 15 of the following year. Miss a deadline and the IRS charges penalties — even if you overpay for the year.

What happens if I don't pay quarterly taxes?+

The IRS charges an underpayment penalty if you owe $1,000+ and didn't pay at least 90% of your current year tax or 100% of last year's tax through withholdings or estimated payments. The penalty rate is set quarterly and compounds on the unpaid amount.