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Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator (2026)

If you freelance, run a business, or earn 1099 income, the IRS wants its taxes four times a year — not once in April. This calculator estimates your 2026 federal quarterly payments, including self-employment tax and federal income tax, and shows your due dates and safe-harbor targets. Pick your state below to add state income tax to the estimate.

Your Income
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Estimated federal tax for 2026, split across four quarters
Quarterly Payment Schedule

Find your state

State income tax changes what you owe each quarter. Choose your state for a version of this calculator that includes your state's rules, thresholds, and payment portal.

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Quarterly Estimated Tax FAQ

Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
Generally anyone who expects to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax on income that has no withholding — freelancers, 1099 contractors, gig workers, landlords, and small-business owners. If all your income is W-2 with enough withholding, you usually do not need to.
When are 2026 quarterly taxes due?
Federal estimated payments are due April 15, 2026, June 15, 2026, September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. If a date falls on a weekend or holiday it shifts to the next business day.
How do I calculate what I owe each quarter?
Estimate your annual net self-employment income, add self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of your profit up to the Social Security wage base) and federal income tax on your profit after the standard deduction, then divide by four. The calculator above does this for you.
What is the safe harbor rule?
You avoid an IRS underpayment penalty if you pay at least 90% of the current year's tax, or 100% of last year's tax (110% if your prior-year income was over $150,000). Paying to the safe harbor protects you even if you end up owing more.
Do I owe state estimated taxes too?
It depends on your state. Nine states have no income tax, so you only pay federal. The rest have their own estimated-tax rules and thresholds — choose your state above for a version that includes them.

For educational purposes only — not tax advice. Confirm figures with a tax professional and the IRS before filing.