If you're self-employed, the IRS doesn't wait until April to collect what you owe. Because no employer is withholding tax from every paycheck, you're expected to pay tax on your income four times a year — these are quarterly estimated tax payments.

Who actually has to pay quarterly

As a general rule, you need to make estimated payments if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for the year after subtracting withholding and credits. Nearly every full-time freelancer, 1099 contractor, or gig worker meets that bar.

The 2025/2026 due dates

The four quarterly deadlines follow a consistent annual schedule:

  • Q1 (Jan 1 – Mar 31): Due April 15
  • Q2 (Apr 1 – May 31): Due June 16
  • Q3 (Jun 1 – Aug 31): Due September 15
  • Q4 (Sep 1 – Dec 31): Due January 15 of the following year

How to calculate your payment

There are two primary methods to calculate your quarterly payments:

  • The Safe Harbor Method: Pay 100% of your previous year's total tax liability (or 110% if your AGI was over $150,000) divided into four equal payments. This guarantees you avoid underpayment penalties regardless of how much you earn this year.
  • The Exact Estimation Method: Estimate your net freelance profit for the year, calculate self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of profit) plus your projected federal and state income tax bracket, and divide by four.

How to submit payments

The fastest, fee-free method is directly online through IRS Direct Pay (using your bank account routing and account number). You can also set up an account with EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) to schedule automated payments in advance.