How Much Should I Pay in Quarterly Taxes?
Unlike employees who have taxes withheld automatically, freelancers in the US are generally expected to estimate and pay their own taxes four times a year. This quarterly estimated tax calculator combines self-employment tax and federal income tax to estimate each quarterly payment.
💡 Quick Summary
Total tax owed = Self-employment tax (15.3% of 92.35% of net income) + federal income tax (your marginal rate × net income). Divide by 4 for each quarterly payment.
2026 Quarterly Due Dates (Typical IRS Schedule)
| Quarter | Covers | Typical Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan-Mar | April 15 |
| Q2 | Apr-May | June 15 |
| Q3 | Jun-Aug | September 15 |
| Q4 | Sep-Dec | January 15 (following year) |
Always confirm exact due dates on the IRS website, since they shift slightly when a date falls on a weekend or holiday.
Who Needs to Pay Quarterly?
Generally, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax for the year after subtracting withholding and credits, the IRS expects quarterly estimated payments rather than one lump sum at filing time.
This is a simplified educational estimate and does not account for the standard deduction, QBI deduction, state taxes, or the specific safe-harbor rules that can reduce or eliminate underpayment penalties. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.