Tax guide
Self-Employed Quarterly Estimated Taxes (2026)
If you’re self-employed and expect to owe about $1,000 or more, the IRS wants taxes paid quarterly — not just in April. Missing a payment can mean penalties, so it pays to plan.
2026 due dates
- Q1 — April 15, 2026
- Q2 — June 16, 2026
- Q3 — September 15, 2026
- Q4 — January 15, 2027
How much should I set aside?
A common rule of thumb is 25–30% of net self-employment income for federal income tax plus self-employment tax. Your real number depends on your bracket, deductions, and credits — we’ll calculate it with you.
How we help
We estimate your quarterly payments, set reminders, and keep you penalty-safe so April is never a surprise.
FAQ
What if I miss a quarter?
Pay as soon as you can to limit penalties, and we’ll help you catch up and adjust the remaining quarters.
Do I still file in April?
Yes — quarterly payments are prepayments. You still file an annual return, and we reconcile what you paid.
General information, not tax advice for your specific situation. A human preparer reviews your facts before any return is filed.