Quarterly Estimated Taxes: A Freelancer's Guide
If you’re self-employed, taxes aren’t a once-a-year event. The IRS expects you to pay as you earn — through quarterly estimated payments. Here’s how to get them right and avoid penalties.
Who needs to pay
Generally, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file, you should be making estimated payments. That covers most freelancers, contractors, and small-business owners without enough W-2 withholding to cover the bill.
The safe-harbor rule (your penalty shield)
You avoid an underpayment penalty if you pay, through withholding and estimates, at least the smaller of:
- 90% of your current year’s total tax, or
- 100% of last year’s total tax (110% if your prior-year AGI was over $150,000).
Hitting the prior-year number is the easiest target because you already know it.
Estimate your self-employment tax
Most of an estimated payment for a self-employed person is income tax plus self-employment tax. Start with the SE tax piece:
Self-Employment Tax Estimator
Estimate the Social Security and Medicare (SE) tax on your 1099 / Schedule C profit for 2025.
- Net earnings subject to SE tax (92.35%)$0
- Social Security portion (12.4%)$0
- Medicare portion (2.9%)$0
- Deductible half (reduces income tax)$0
- Set aside per quarter (rough)$0
Want Chris to verify these numbers and plan your estimated payments?
Call 603-860-6000Estimate only — actual SE tax depends on your full return. Additional Medicare tax (0.9%) may apply at higher incomes. Not tax advice.
Payment schedule
Estimated taxes are due four times a year — roughly mid-April, mid-June, mid-September, and mid-January. Pay online through IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS, and keep a record of each confirmation.
Want a second set of eyes on your numbers before you send a payment? That’s exactly the kind of quick check an Enrolled Agent can do — read the self-employment tax guide for the full picture.
Talk to an Enrolled Agent today
No forms, no phone trees — reach Chris directly about your tax situation.
Frequently asked questions
When are quarterly estimated taxes due in 2026?
For the 2026 tax year, estimated payments are generally due April 15, June 15, and September 15 of 2026, and January 15 of 2027. Dates shift to the next business day when they fall on a weekend or holiday.
What happens if I skip a quarter?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty calculated by quarter, so paying everything in April does not undo a missed earlier payment. Catching up as soon as possible limits the penalty.