Who pays quarterly taxes?
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more after withholding, the IRS wants estimated payments four times a year. That's most full-time freelancers and 1099 contractors, since no employer is withholding tax for you.
Thrivelance Tools
Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator
Plan your IRS estimated payments. Enter your expected net profit and filing status to see your total federal tax, what's left after any withholding, and the four equal payments to send each quarter. Uses 2025 tax-year rates.
Your estimated payments
Figures update as you type. Enter profit after business expenses for the whole year.
Total federal tax
$19,274
SE tax + income tax.
Remaining after withholding
$19,274
Total − tax already paid.
Pay each quarter
$4,819
Remaining ÷ 4.
Effective tax rate
24.1%
Total tax ÷ profit.
| Quarter | Due date | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 — Jan 1 to Mar 31 | April 15 | $4,819 |
| Q2 — Apr 1 to May 31 | June 15 | $4,819 |
| Q3 — Jun 1 to Aug 31 | September 15 | $4,819 |
| Q4 — Sep 1 to Dec 31 | January 15 | $4,819 |
The four due dates
Payments are due roughly April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. The periods are uneven (the second is only two months), but the simplest approach is four equal payments.
Avoiding penalties
The safe-harbor rule shields you from penalties: pay 90% of the current year's tax, or 100% of last year's (110% if your prior AGI topped $150,000). Hitting either is enough even if you under-estimate.
Where the total comes from
The total combines self-employment tax and estimated federal income tax. To see that breakdown, use the Self-Employment Tax Calculator, or turn it into a per-invoice set-aside with the Tax Set-Aside Calculator. State estimated taxes are separate.
FAQ
Common questions about this calculator.
Do I have to pay quarterly taxes?
Generally yes, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax after withholding. Most full-time freelancers and 1099 contractors fall into this group because no employer withholds tax for them.
When are estimated taxes due?
The four deadlines are about April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. The income periods are uneven, but four equal payments is the simplest way to stay current.
How do I avoid an underpayment penalty?
Use the safe-harbor rule: pay at least 90% of the current year's tax, or 100% of last year's tax (110% if your prior-year AGI was over $150,000). Meeting either threshold avoids the penalty.
What if I also have a W-2 job?
Enter any tax already withheld in the optional field — the calculator subtracts it before splitting the rest into four payments. You can also raise your W-2 withholding instead of sending separate estimates.