Quarterly Tax Payment Calculator

Estimate your quarterly estimated tax payments based on your expected annual income and expenses.

How the Quarterly Tax Calculator Works

1

Enter Your Expected Income & Expenses

Input your projected annual gross income and deductible business expenses. The calculator uses your estimated net profit as the basis for all tax calculations.

2

Select Your Filing Status & State

Choose your federal filing status for accurate bracket calculations and your state for state income tax estimates. Prior year tax liability is optional but enables safe harbor calculations.

3

Get Your Payment Schedule Instantly

See your annual estimated tax, each quarterly payment amount, due dates for all four quarters, and your safe harbor amount — so you know exactly what to pay and when.

Quarterly Estimated Tax FAQ

Who needs to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
You must pay quarterly estimated taxes if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal taxes for the year and your withholding won't cover at least 90% of your current year tax liability (or 100% of last year's tax). This applies to most self-employed individuals, LLC owners, freelancers, and independent contractors.
When are quarterly estimated tax payments due?
The IRS sets four due dates each year: Q1 (January 1 – March 31) is due April 15; Q2 (April 1 – May 31) is due June 15; Q3 (June 1 – August 31) is due September 15; Q4 (September 1 – December 31) is due January 15 of the following year. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, it shifts to the next business day.
What is the safe harbor rule for estimated taxes?
The safe harbor rule lets you avoid underpayment penalties if you pay at least 100% of your prior year's tax liability (or 110% if your prior year AGI exceeded $150,000) in estimated payments. This is useful if your current year income is unpredictable — base payments on last year's taxes and you won't owe a penalty regardless of how much you actually earn.
What happens if I miss a quarterly payment?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty (currently around 8% annualized) on any shortfall. The penalty is calculated per quarter, so missing Q1 costs more than missing Q4. You can avoid or reduce the penalty by using the safe harbor rule, annualizing income across quarters, or making a catch-up payment as soon as possible.
Can I pay different amounts each quarter?
Yes. While this calculator divides evenly, you can use the annualized income installment method to pay based on actual income earned through each quarter. This is especially helpful for seasonal businesses. Use IRS Form 2210 to calculate using this method and avoid penalties.

Important Disclaimer

This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Quarterly estimated tax payment amounts depend on many factors this simplified tool cannot fully account for, including additional income sources, deductions, and credits. Results are estimates only and should not be used as the sole basis for IRS payments. This tool does not create a professional-client relationship. Please consult a licensed CPA or tax professional before making estimated tax payments.

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4 Due Dates Shown
50 States Covered
2024 Tax Brackets

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