TAX · ESTIMATED

Quarterly Tax Calculator

Estimate your quarterly estimated tax payments for 2026. Includes safe harbor calculations and IRS due dates to help you avoid underpayment penalties.

LAST REVIEWED · APR 10, 2026 · BY M. REYES, CPA
You need
$3,000
Estimated TaxReset
Expected Income
$100,000
$10K$500K
DeductionsStandard or itemized
$15,000
$0$100K
Tax Credits
$0
$0$20K
Prior Year TaxFor safe harbor calc
$12,000
$0$100K
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Who needs to make quarterly payments?

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax after subtracting withholding and credits, the IRS expects you to make estimated payments. This typically applies to freelancers, small business owners, investors, and retirees with significant non-wage income.

2026 due dates

  • Q1: April 15, 2026
  • Q2: June 16, 2026
  • Q3: September 15, 2026
  • Q4: January 15, 2027

Safe harbor explained

You can avoid the underpayment penalty by paying at least 100% of last year's tax liability (110% if your AGI exceeded $150,000) or 90% of the current year's tax — whichever is less. This calculator uses the safe harbor method when prior-year tax is provided.

Methodology. Calculates expected federal tax liability using 2026 brackets, subtracts credits, and divides by four. Applies safe harbor rule: pay the lesser of 100% of current-year tax or 100% of prior-year tax (110% if AGI exceeds $150,000).

Sources

  • IRS Form 1040-ES instructions (2026)
  • IRS Publication 505 (Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax)
  • IRC Section 6654 (underpayment penalty)
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Frequently asked questions

What happens if I miss a quarterly payment? +
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty calculated like interest on the unpaid amount for the number of days it was late. The rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points, adjusted quarterly.
Can I pay all my estimated tax in one lump sum? +
Technically yes, but you may owe an underpayment penalty for the quarters you skipped. The IRS expects roughly equal payments each quarter unless you use the annualized income installment method.
Do I still owe quarterly tax if I also have W-2 income? +
If your W-2 withholding covers your total tax liability, no. You can also ask your employer to withhold extra on your W-4 (Line 4c) to cover non-wage income instead of making separate estimated payments.
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