Tax guide
Self-Employed Quarterly Estimated Taxes (2026)
If you’re self-employed and expect to owe about $1,000 or more, the IRS wants taxes paid quarterly, not just in April. Missing a payment can mean penalties, so it pays to plan.
2026 due dates
- Q1, April 15, 2026
- Q2, June 16, 2026
- Q3, September 15, 2026
- Q4, January 15, 2027
How much should I set aside?
A common rule of thumb is 25 to 30% of net self-employment income for federal income tax plus self-employment tax. Your real number depends on your bracket, deductions, and credits, we’ll calculate it with you.
How we help
We estimate your quarterly payments, set reminders, and keep you penalty-safe so April is never a surprise.
FAQ
What if I miss a quarter?
Pay as soon as you can to limit penalties, and we’ll help you catch up and adjust the remaining quarters.
Do I still file in April?
Yes, quarterly payments are prepayments. You still file an annual return, and we reconcile what you paid.
General information, not tax advice for your specific situation. A human preparer reviews your facts before any return is filed.