When Are Quarterly Estimated Taxes Due? 2026 Deadlines for the Self-Employed & Business Owners
If you work for yourself or own a business, you probably do not have an employer withholding taxes from your paycheck. That means the IRS expects you to pay taxes throughout the year on your own. These are called quarterly estimated tax payments. Missing a deadline can trigger an underpayment penalty, even if you pay everything in full when you file. Knowing the exact 2026 due dates puts you in control of your cash flow and keeps you out of trouble with the IRS.
Key Takeaways
- Quarterly estimated taxes are due four times per year, not once.
- The 2026 due dates are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15, 2027.
- You generally owe estimated taxes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file.
- Self-employed workers pay both income tax and self-employment tax through these payments.
- Underpayment penalties apply even if you file your return on time.
- A tax professional like BJM Group can help you calculate the right amount each quarter.
Who Needs to Pay Quarterly Estimated Taxes?
Not everyone needs to make these payments. The IRS requires them when you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal income tax after subtracting any withholding and credits. This rule applies to most self-employed people, freelancers, independent contractors, and small business owners.
It also applies to partners in partnerships, S corporation shareholders, and sole proprietors. If you have a side business in addition to a regular job, you may still owe estimated taxes if your employer is not withholding enough to cover your total tax bill.
What Types of Income Trigger This Requirement?
Several income types can push you into estimated tax territory. These include freelance or contract income, rental income, business profits, dividends, capital gains, and alimony received under older agreements. If any of these apply to you, it is worth checking your numbers early in the year.
Self-employed individuals also pay a 15.3% self-employment tax on net earnings. This covers Social Security and Medicare. That amount adds up quickly, so planning your payments around your actual income each quarter matters. Reviewing your tax deductions for small businesses can help lower your taxable income before you calculate what you owe.
The 2026 Quarterly Estimated Tax Due Dates
The IRS divides the year into four payment periods. Each one covers a specific range of income. If a deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the IRS moves it to the next business day. Here are the 2026 estimated tax due dates you need to mark on your calendar.
All Four 2026 Deadlines at a Glance
The first payment covers income earned from January 1 through March 31. It is due on April 15, 2026. The second payment covers income from April 1 through May 31, and it is due on June 15, 2026. The third payment covers June 1 through August 31, with a due date of September 15, 2026.
The fourth and final payment covers income from September 1 through December 31. It is due on January 15, 2027. Note that this payment is due in the next calendar year. If you file your full return and pay any remaining balance by January 31, 2027, you can skip the January 15 payment. Most tax professionals still recommend making it to stay safe.
How to Calculate What You Owe Each Quarter
The IRS offers two methods to avoid underpayment penalties. The first is to pay at least 90% of what you owe for the current year. The second is to pay 100% of what you owed the prior year (110% if your prior year adjusted gross income was over $150,000). Either method works as a safe harbor.
Practical Steps to Estimate Your Payment
Start with your expected net income for the quarter. Subtract any relevant year-end tax filing deductions you plan to claim. Then apply your estimated income tax rate and add the 15.3% self-employment tax on net self-employment earnings. Divide your annual estimate by four if your income is fairly consistent throughout the year.
If your income changes a lot from quarter to quarter, calculate each payment based on actual earnings for that period. This takes more work, but it helps you avoid overpaying or underpaying. BJM Group works with self-employed clients and business owners to make this process straightforward and accurate. Their team can run the numbers for you so there are no surprises at filing time.
Good bookkeeping practices throughout the year make this much easier. When your records are current, you always know where your income and expenses stand.
How to Make Your Estimated Tax Payments
The IRS accepts several payment methods. You can pay online through the IRS Direct Pay system or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). You can also mail a check with Form 1040-ES. EFTPS is free and lets you schedule payments in advance, which is useful if you want to set them and forget them.
State Estimated Taxes Also Apply in Many States
Federal estimated taxes are only part of the picture. Most states with an income tax also require quarterly estimated payments. Deadlines vary by state, and some states use different thresholds than the IRS. Check your state’s department of revenue or work with a tax advisor to confirm your state obligations alongside your federal ones.
BJM Group serves clients across multiple locations and is familiar with both federal and state estimated tax requirements. Getting guidance from a firm that knows your local rules saves time and reduces errors. You can explore their full range of accounting and consulting services to find the right level of support for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss a quarterly estimated tax deadline?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty if you do not pay enough by each deadline. The penalty is calculated based on how much you underpaid and for how long. It is not a flat fee; it accrues over time. Filing your annual return on time does not erase the penalty for missed quarterly payments made earlier in the year.
Do I have to make quarterly payments if I expect a refund?
If you expect a large refund, you may have enough withholding from other income sources to cover your tax bill without separate payments. However, if you are fully self-employed with no withholding, you likely still need to make estimated payments even in years when you expect a net refund.
Can I pay all my estimated taxes at once?
Technically, you can make one large payment by the first quarter deadline. But if that payment does not cover the required amounts by each individual quarter’s due date, you may still owe an underpayment penalty for the earlier quarters. Spreading payments across the four deadlines is generally the safer approach.
What if my income is irregular or hard to predict?
You can use the annualized income installment method, which allows you to base each quarterly payment on your actual income for that period rather than estimating the full year upfront. This method requires more recordkeeping but prevents overpayment when income is uneven. IRS Form 2210 is used to calculate this when you file.
Do S corporation owners need to pay estimated taxes?
Yes. S corporation shareholders who receive income that is not subject to withholding need to make quarterly estimated payments. This includes distributions and any pass-through income reported on a Schedule K-1. The same $1,000 threshold applies as it does for other taxpayers.
Stay on Top of Your 2026 Tax Deadlines With Professional Help
Missing a quarterly estimated tax deadline costs you money and adds stress. The 2026 due dates, April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15, 2027, give you a clear schedule to plan around. Calculating the right amount each quarter is the harder part, especially if your income shifts throughout the year. BJM Group helps self-employed workers and business owners get their estimated tax payments right the first time. Visit bjmgroup.com to connect with their team and get ahead of your 2026 tax obligations before the next deadline arrives.