Good news for freelancers and gig workers in Texas: texas has no state income tax, so freelancers and gig workers only make federal quarterly payments. That means your quarterly estimated taxes are federal only — self-employment tax plus federal income tax — with no separate state estimate to file. This calculator estimates your 2026 federal quarterly payments so you know exactly what to send the IRS on each due date. Enter your expected net self-employment income, any W-2 wages, and your filing status to see your quarterly amounts, due dates, and how the safe-harbor rules keep you penalty-free. It is an estimate for planning purposes, not tax advice.
Because Texas does not tax personal income, the only quarterly estimated taxes you owe as a self-employed resident are federal. That is still two pieces: self-employment tax — 15.3% for Social Security and Medicare on 92.35% of your net profit, up to the Social Security wage base — and federal income tax on your profit after the standard deduction.
The IRS asks you to pay these in four installments, generally due April 15, June 15, September 15, and the following January 15. There is no Texas state estimated-tax form — you file IRS Form 1040-ES only.
You avoid an IRS underpayment penalty by meeting a "safe harbor": paying at least 90% of this year's tax, or 100% of last year's tax (110% if your income is higher). You can pay online at IRS Direct Pay or through EFTPS. Since there is no Texas return to file, the calculator above shows your federal quarterly amounts only. You can pay online at the Internal Revenue Service (federal only) (payment portal).
For educational purposes only — not tax advice. Tax rules change and individual situations vary; confirm figures with a tax professional and the Internal Revenue Service (federal only) before filing. State tax data last verified 2026-07-05.
Sources: irs.gov.