Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator
Plan your quarterly estimated payments to avoid IRS underpayment penalties. Includes safe harbor calculation and Q1–Q4 payment schedule.
$120,000
$
$20,000
$
$0
$
$18,000
$
Find this on last year's Form 1040 line 24
Payment Schedule
| Quarter | Period | Due Date | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | Apr 15, 2025 | $4,500 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31 | Jun 16, 2025 | $4,500 |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | Sep 15, 2025 | $4,500 |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31 | Jan 15, 2026 | $4,500 |
Underpayment Warning: You may owe an underpayment penalty of ~$1,886. Pay estimated taxes to avoid this.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
Estimated Tax
$4,500
Recommended Quarterly Payment
Annual Tax Liability$26,189
Federal Income Tax$12,060
Self-Employment Tax$14,130
W-2 Withholding– $0
Safe Harbor Amount$18,000
Recommended Method100% Prior Year
Quarterly Payment$4,500
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Frequently Asked Questions
You need to make estimated payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax after subtracting withholding and credits. This includes freelancers, business owners, investors, and anyone with significant income not subject to withholding.
The safe harbor rule protects you from underpayment penalties. You're safe if you pay at least: (a) 100% of last year's tax liability, OR (b) 90% of the current year's tax. If your AGI exceeds $150,000, the safe harbor is 110% of prior year tax.
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty calculated at the federal short-term interest rate plus 3 percentage points (roughly 8% in 2025). The penalty is calculated per quarter, so even a single missed payment can result in penalties.
Yes! W-2 withholding is applied evenly across all four quarters regardless of when it was actually withheld. If you have a spouse with W-2 income, increasing their withholding can substitute for quarterly payments.
Q1: April 15, 2025 (covers Jan–Mar). Q2: June 16, 2025 (covers Apr–May). Q3: September 15, 2025 (covers Jun–Aug). Q4: January 15, 2026 (covers Sep–Dec).