How To Pay Quarterly Taxes in 2025 and 2026
Written by
Ana Gotter
Edited by
Joe Evans, CFHC™
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If you’re self-employed, a freelancer or earning income without tax withholding, you need to know how to pay quarterly taxes. The IRS requires estimated tax payments four times per year if you expect to owe at least $1,000 when you file your return.
Quarterly taxes follow a pay-as-you-go system. Instead of paying everything in April, you submit payments throughout the year. Here’s how it works for 2025 and 2026:
How To Pay Quarterly Taxes: At a Glance
Step What To Do Why It Matters 1 Estimate annual income Determines total tax liability 2 Calculate income + self-employment tax Avoids underpayment 3 Divide into four payments Meets IRS pay-as-you-go rules 4 Pay via IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS Avoids penalties 5 Use safe harbor rules Eliminates underpayment penalties Key Threshold: If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes, you likely must make quarterly payments.
What Are Quarterly Estimated Taxes?
Quarterly estimated taxes cover:
- Federal income tax
- Self-employment tax
The U.S. tax system requires taxes to be paid as income is earned. According to the Internal Revenue Service, self-employment tax remains 15.3%:
- 12.4% Social Security
- 2.9% Medicare
For 2025, the Social Security wage base is $176,100. The Medicare portion applies to all earnings.
How To Calculate Quarterly Taxes (With Examples)
Step 1: Estimate Annual Income
Use last year’s tax return as a baseline if income is stable. If income changes significantly, project your current year earnings carefully.
Step 2: Calculate Self-Employment Tax (2025 Example)
If you expect $90,000 in net self-employment income:
- Self-employment tax (15.3%) = ~$13,770
- Income tax (example 22% bracket) ≈ ~$19,800
- Estimated total tax ≈ ~$33,570
- Quarterly payment ≈ ~$8,392
Actual results vary based on deductions and credits.
Below is a simplified quarterly tax calculator example to illustrate typical payment ranges:
Quarterly Tax Calculator Example (2025 Estimates)
| Net Self-Employment Income | Estimated Total Tax (Income + SE Tax)* | Quarterly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | ~$14,000 | ~$3,500 |
| $75,000 | ~$22,000 | ~$5,500 |
| $100,000 | ~$32,000 | ~$8,000 |
| $150,000 | ~$52,000 | ~$13,000 |
*Estimates assume average effective income tax brackets and no unusual deductions.
These examples show why underestimating quarterly taxes can quickly create a large April bill.
2025 and 2026 Quarterly Tax Deadlines
2025 Deadlines
| Quarter | Income Period | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 15, 2025 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31 | June 16, 2025 |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | Sept 15, 2025 |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31 | Jan 15, 2026 |
2026 Deadlines
| Quarter | Income Period | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31 | June 15, 2026 |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | Sept 15, 2026 |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31 | Jan 15, 2027 |
If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
How To Pay Quarterly Taxes
Pay Online (Recommended)
You can pay using:
Both are free and provide immediate confirmation.
Pay by Mail
Submit Form 1040-ES with a check payable to “United States Treasury.” Online payment is safer and reduces processing delays.
State Estimated Taxes: What You Must Know
Federal quarterly payments are only half the picture. If you live in a state with income tax, you likely must also pay state estimated taxes.
Key Points About State Quarterly Taxes:
- Most states follow the same quarterly schedule as the IRS
- Some states require separate forms and online portals
- Penalty rules vary by state
- States like Texas, Florida and Nevada have no income tax
If you operate in multiple states or move during the year, state quarterly requirements may become more complex. Check your state’s Department of Revenue website for specific rules.
How Much Should You Pay? (Safe Harbor Rule 2025/2026)
To avoid penalties, pay at least:
- 90% of the current year tax, OR
- 100% of last year’s tax (110% if AGI exceeded $150,000)
For many people, paying 100% of last year’s tax divided by four is the simplest and safest method.
Penalties for Not Paying Quarterly Taxes
If you underpay:
- The IRS may assess an underpayment penalty (roughly 7% to 8% annually)
- Interest accrues daily
Meeting safe harbor rules eliminates penalties, even if you owe more at filing.
Common Quarterly Tax Mistakes
Avoid these:
- Forgetting self-employment tax
- Missing deadlines
- Ignoring state taxes
- Not adjusting payments when income changes
- Assuming W-2 withholding covers freelance income
Planning Strategy That Works
To stay ahead:
- Set aside 25 to 30% of gross income
- Keep funds in a separate tax savings account
- Schedule payments at the start of the year
Automation removes stress.
Final Take To Go
If you’re learning how to pay quarterly taxes in 2025 or 2026, focus on three things: estimate accurately, pay on time and use the safe harbor rule.
Quarterly taxes aren’t optional for many self-employed earners — but with the right system, they become predictable and manageable.
FAQ
Although quarterly taxes can feel overwhelming, understanding the rules makes them manageable. Here are answers to common questions about how to pay quarterly taxes in 2025 and 2026.- How do I know if I need to pay quarterly taxes?
- If you expect to owe $1,000 or more after withholding and credits, the IRS requires estimated tax payments.
- How do I pay quarterly taxes online?
- You can use IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS to submit payments electronically. Both are free and provide confirmation.
- What is the self-employment tax rate for 2025?
- The rate remains 15.3%, covering Social Security and Medicare taxes.
- How can I avoid quarterly tax penalties?
- Meet the safe harbor rule by paying at least 90% of the current year's tax or 100% of last year’s total tax (110% for high earners).
- What happens if I miss a quarterly deadline?
- The IRS may assess penalties and interest. Paying as soon as possible reduces additional charges.
- Can I adjust quarterly payments during the year?
- Yes. You can increase or decrease payments based on income changes, as long as you satisfy safe harbor requirements.
Data is accurate as of Feb. 11, 2026, and is subject to change.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- IRS "Self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare taxes)"
- CNBC https://www.cnbc.com/select/what-are-quarterly-tax-payments/
- TurboTax "A Guide to Paying Quarterly Taxes"
- TurboTax "Estimated Quarterly Tax Dates in 2025"
- IRS "About Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals"
- IRS "Self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare taxes)"
- IRS "Underpayment of estimated tax by individuals penalty"
