Quarterly Estimated Taxes for 2026
When freelancers and side-gig workers need 1040-ES payments, how safe harbor works, and how to size each installment without overpaying.
Published 2026-02-01 · Updated 2026-07-20
If you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file (after withholding and credits), the IRS generally expects you to pay as you go—through withholding, quarterly estimates, or both. Freelancers feel this first because a 1099 payer rarely withholds federal income tax.
Safe harbor in plain terms
One practical target is last year’s total tax: pay 100% of that amount (110% if your prior-year AGI crossed the higher-income threshold) through withholding and timely estimates. Hit that mark and you usually avoid the underpayment penalty even if this year’s profit explodes—though you still pay the extra tax by the filing deadline.
The other target is roughly 90% of this year’s tax. That path needs a realistic forecast of SE tax plus income tax. Underestimate badly and penalties can still apply.
Due dates
For tax year 2026 the usual installment dates fall around April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. Weekends and holidays shift exact calendar days—check the deadlines hub before you schedule transfers.
Use the quarterly estimated tax calculator to translate a liability forecast into a per-quarter number, then reconcile mid-year when a big invoice lands.
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Tax year 2026 · Last reviewed 2026-07-20 · Reviewed by US Tax Tools editorial · Methodology