Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator
Enter your expected self-employment profit for 2026 to estimate your federal quarterly tax payments — income tax plus self-employment tax.
Runs entirely in your browser — your numbers never leave this page.
How it works
Freelancers pay tax in four quarterly installments — no employer is withholding for you. The two taxes:
- Self-employment tax (15.3%) on 92.35% of net profit: 12.4% Social Security (up to the $184,500 wage base for 2026) + 2.9% Medicare on everything. Plus 0.9% extra Medicare above $200k single / $250k joint.
- Federal income tax on profit minus half your SE tax minus the standard deduction ($16,100 single / $32,200 joint for 2026), at the 10–37% brackets.
Quarterly payment = (Income tax + SE tax) ÷ 4
- 2026 due dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
- Safe harbor: pay 100% of last year's total tax (110% if AGI was over $150k) in quarterly chunks and you owe no underpayment penalty — even if you earn more this year.
- Half SE tax is deductible above the line — this calculator applies it.
- State taxes are extra: most states want their own quarterly estimates — this tool covers federal only.
- You may also qualify for the 20% QBI deduction — not included here (phaseouts apply); a tax pro can confirm.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I pay quarterly?
Roughly (income tax + 15.3% SE tax) ÷ 4. On $80k self-employment profit (single, 2026): about $5,900/quarter federal — this calculator breaks it down exactly.
When are 2026 quarterly taxes due?
April 15, June 15, and September 15, 2026, plus January 15, 2027. Miss a date and interest accrues from that date — pay online at IRS Direct Pay.
What is the safe harbor rule?
Pay 100% of last year's total tax via quarterly estimates (110% if your AGI exceeded $150k) and there is no underpayment penalty — even if this year's income is higher.
What is self-employment tax?
15.3% on 92.35% of net profit: 12.4% Social Security (2026 wage base $184,500) + 2.9% Medicare, plus 0.9% extra Medicare above $200k/$250k. It replaces the employer+employee payroll taxes.
Is half of SE tax deductible?
Yes — half of your self-employment tax is an above-the-line deduction (it lowers AGI). This calculator applies it automatically.
Do I owe quarterly taxes my first year freelancing?
If you expect to owe $1,000+ in tax for the year, yes — start paying quarterly immediately. The safe harbor uses last year's tax, which helps in year one.
What is the underpayment penalty?
Roughly the federal short-term rate plus 3%, applied per quarter on the shortfall. On a $5,000 quarterly miss it runs a few hundred dollars — annoying, not catastrophic.
Does this include state taxes?
No — federal only. Most states with income tax require their own quarterly estimates; add roughly your state rate on top.
What about the 20% QBI deduction?
The qualified business income deduction can cut taxable income up to 20% for pass-throughs, with phaseouts starting around $201,750 single / $403,500 joint (2026). Not included here — confirm with a tax pro.
Should I form an S-corp to save on SE tax?
Often yes above ~$60–80k profit: S-corp owners pay SE tax only on their salary, not distributions. But payroll costs and complexity eat the savings below that range.