How are quarterly estimated taxes calculated?
You estimate your total tax for the year — self-employment tax plus income tax — and split it across four payments. This calculator estimates the full-year tax and divides it into four equal quarters.
Free calculator
Quarterly estimated tax calculator
Estimate what to send the IRS each quarter so a big April bill never sneaks up on you.
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Estimated quarterly payment$0
- Self-employment tax$0
- Federal income tax (est.)$0
- Total for the year$0
- Set aside about0% of income
A conservative 2025 estimate, federal only, assuming the standard deduction and no other income. Your actual tax can be lower after credits and deductions like QBI. State tax is separate. We’ll dial in your real number.
When you’re self-employed, the IRS generally wants its share throughout the year rather than all at once. If you expect to owe about $1,000 or more, that usually means four estimated payments. We estimate your full-year federal tax and split it into quarters so you have a target for each one.
This is a conservative federal estimate. Your real quarterly number depends on deductions, credits, state tax, and any withholding from a W-2 job — all of which we factor in when we set up your payment schedule.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
If you expect to owe about $1,000 or more and don't have enough withheld elsewhere, the IRS generally expects quarterly payments. Paying as you go also keeps you from facing one large bill at filing.
When are quarterly taxes due?
Estimated taxes are generally due four times a year, in roughly April, June, September, and January. We'll give you the exact dates and amounts for your situation.
What happens if I underpay or skip a quarter?
You can owe an underpayment penalty plus interest. The fix is to catch up and right-size your remaining payments — something we help clients do all the time.
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