Quarterly Estimated Taxes for Self-Employed Workers: Complete Guide
No employer withholding your taxes means you're responsible for paying the IRS yourself, four times a year. Here's everything freelancers and 1099 workers need to know.
Self-employed individuals expecting to owe $1,000+ in tax must pay quarterly estimated taxes, covering both federal income tax and self-employment tax (15.3% for Social Security and Medicare). 2026 quarterly due dates are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15.
Use our Quarterly Tax Calculator for instant, personalized results.
Who Must Pay Quarterly Estimated Taxes
If you're self-employed, freelance, or work as a 1099 contractor and expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year, the IRS generally requires quarterly estimated payments — since no employer is withholding tax from your income.
Self-Employment Tax — The Part W-2 Workers Don't Pay
In addition to regular income tax, self-employed individuals pay self-employment tax of 15.3% on net earnings:
- 12.4% for Social Security
- 2.9% for Medicare
This replaces the employer/employee split that traditional W-2 employees have, where each side pays 7.65%. You can deduct half of your self-employment tax when calculating income tax — a small offset.
2026 Quarterly Due Dates
| Quarter | Income Period | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31 | April 15 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31 | June 15 |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31 | September 15 |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31 | January 15 (following year) |
Avoiding Underpayment Penalties
The IRS may assess an underpayment penalty if you don't pay enough throughout the year, even if you pay your full balance by the April filing deadline. A common safe harbor: pay at least 90% of your current year's tax liability, or 100% of last year's liability (110% if your prior-year income was over $150,000).
Use our Quarterly Tax Calculator — instant results, no signup required.