Bottom Line

If you are a 1099 freelancer and expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for 2026, you generally need to make quarterly estimated payments. The 2026 due dates are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15, 2027. As of today, the next payment is due January 15, 2027. Paying at least the smaller of 90 percent of this year's tax or 100 percent of last year's tax generally keeps you out of penalty territory.

Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?

You must make estimated payments if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax after subtracting withholding and refundable credits, and your withholding will be less than the smaller of two amounts. Those two amounts are 90 percent of your 2026 tax, or 100 percent of your 2025 tax. The prior year figure rises to 110 percent if your 2025 adjusted gross income was more than $150,000, or $75,000 if you are married filing separately.

What are the 2026 quarterly due dates?

The income you earn from January 1 through March 31 is due April 15. Income from April 1 through May 31 is due June 15. Income from June 1 through August 31 is due September 15. Income from September 1 through December 31 is due January 15, 2027. If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is due the next business day.

What is the safe harbor rule?

The IRS does not penalize you if you pay at least the smaller of 90 percent of the current year's tax or 100 percent of the prior year's tax, with 110 percent for higher earners. Here is a simple example. Suppose your 2025 tax was $8,000. Paying 100 percent of it means $8,000 for the year, or $2,000 for each of four payments. Suppose instead you expect $10,000 of tax for 2026. Ninety percent is $9,000, or $2,250 for each payment. Both numbers are examples, so use your own.

What is self-employment tax?

Self-employment tax pays for Social Security and Medicare, and the rate is 15.3 percent. That is 12.4 percent for Social Security and 2.9 percent for Medicare. You file Schedule SE if your net earnings from self-employment were $400 or more. You can deduct the employer-equivalent portion of self-employment tax when you figure your adjusted gross income. Your estimated payments cover both income tax and self-employment tax.

How do you pay estimated taxes?

Options include IRS Direct Pay online, EFTPS, the IRS app, a credit or debit card, and cash at participating retailers. The IRS also says you can pay all of the amount due on the first quarterly due date instead of splitting it into four payments.

How does a quarterly tax calculator work in a spreadsheet?

A spreadsheet tracks your income and deductible expenses each quarter, applies the rates, and shows the amount to set aside for each due date. The TogoMarketing Quarterly Tax Estimator is built for 1099 and freelance income. The Freelance Business Expense Tracker sorts expenses into Schedule C categories. They work in Excel and Google Sheets for $4.99 each, with a one-time purchase and no subscription. This page is general information and not tax advice, so check your numbers with a tax professional.