United States · 2026 tax year

Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator (2026)

If you're self-employed, you pay tax to the IRS four times a year. Enter your expected net profit to see your total tax and what to send each quarter.

$
Your 1099 income minus business expenses, for the whole year.
Pay each quarter
$0
4 payments a year
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How quarterly estimated tax works (2026)

Employees have tax withheld from each paycheck, but the self-employed must send the IRS estimated tax themselves, four times a year. Your estimated tax covers both self-employment tax (15.3%) and federal income tax on your profit. This calculator works out the total for the year and splits it into four equal payments.

2026 payment deadlines

💡 Safe harbor: you generally avoid penalties if you pay at least 90% of this year's tax, or 100% of last year's (110% if your income was over $150,000). Paying the amounts above meets the current-year test.

Example: $80,000 profit

Total tax (SE tax ~$11,304 + federal income tax ~$7,527) is about $18,830 — so you'd send roughly $4,708 each quarter.

Do I have to pay quarterly?

Generally yes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax and don't have enough withheld elsewhere. Paying quarterly avoids an underpayment penalty.

Does this include state tax?

No — many states also require quarterly estimated payments. This calculator covers federal (income tax + SE tax) only.

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This calculator estimates federal quarterly payments (SE tax + income tax) for a single filer in 2026 and is for general information only — not financial or tax advice. It excludes state estimated tax, the QBI deduction and credits. Confirm with Form 1040-ES. Source: IRS.