Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator (2025)
Estimate your 1040-ES quarterly payments on self-employment and other untaxed income — with due dates and safe-harbor guidance.
Expected 2025 income
Estimated payment each quarter
$2,651
2026 estimated-tax due dates (Form 1040-ES)
Apr 15, 2026
$2,651
Jun 15, 2026
$2,651
Sep 15, 2026
$2,651
Jan 15, 2027
$2,651
To dodge underpayment penalties, aim to pay at least 90% of this year's tax — or 100% (110% if higher-income) of last year's — across the four quarters.
2025 federal estimate (SE + income tax, standard deduction). State estimates not included. Not tax advice.
How to calculate quarterly estimated taxes
If you earn income that isn't subject to withholding — 1099 work, freelancing, a small business, rental or investment income — the IRS expects you to pay tax in four estimated installments. This calculator adds your self-employment tax and federal income tax, subtracts anything already withheld from a W-2 job, and splits the balance into four equal quarterly payments (Form 1040-ES).
Don't miss a quarter — or the safe harbor
Estimated payments are due four times a year, and skipping or underpaying one can cost you an underpayment penalty even if you settle up in April. The simplest way to stay safe is the 'safe harbor' rule: pay 90% of your current-year tax, or 100% of last year's (110% for higher-income filers), across the four quarters.
Set aside the quarterly amount above as you earn so the due dates never catch you short. For firms, UpTax calculates and tracks client estimates automatically, reviewed by a CPA or EA.
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Frequently asked questions
Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
Generally anyone who expects to owe $1,000 or more in tax that isn't covered by withholding — self-employed people, freelancers, gig workers, landlords and investors. You pay in four installments instead of having tax withheld from a paycheck.
How are estimated taxes calculated?
Estimate your total tax for the year (self-employment tax plus income tax), subtract any withholding, and divide the rest into four payments. This calculator does exactly that and shows the per-quarter amount.
When are 2026 estimated taxes due?
For the 2025 tax year the federal due dates are roughly April 15, June 15 and September 15 of 2026, and January 15, 2027. Missing them can trigger an underpayment penalty.
How do I avoid an underpayment penalty?
Use the safe harbor: pay at least 90% of this year's tax, or 100% of last year's (110% if your prior-year AGI was over $150,000), spread across the four quarters.
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