Quarterly estimated tax calendar for freelancers
When no tax is withheld from your income, the IRS generally expects you to pay during the year in four estimated payments. Here's when they're usually due, what each covers, and how to pay. Always confirm the current year's dates on IRS.gov.
Payment 1
April 15
Covers income from January 1 to March 31
Payment 2
June 15
Covers income from April 1 to May 31
Payment 3
September 15
Covers income from June 1 to August 31
Payment 4
January 15 of the next year
Covers income from September 1 to December 31
If a due date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, it generally moves to the next business day. Note that the periods aren't equal quarters. Many states have their own estimated tax dates.
How much to pay
Estimate your total tax for the year, then divide by four, or pay based on what you actually earned each period. Our tax set-aside calculator gives a rough starting point.
Avoiding the underpayment penalty
You can generally avoid a federal penalty if your withholding and timely estimated payments add up to at least 90% of this year's tax, or 100% of last year's tax (110% if last year's adjusted gross income was over $150,000).
How to pay
- IRS Direct Pay, from your bank account, free
- Your IRS online account
- EFTPS, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System
- Debit or credit card through IRS-approved processors (fees apply)
- By check with Form 1040-ES vouchers
Keep the confirmation number for every payment. Never pay "the IRS" through a link in a text or email, by gift card or by wire: those are scams.
General information, not tax advice. Rules and dates change; check IRS.gov or a tax professional.