Quarterly estimated tax reminders.

If you are self-employed or your business earns income without tax withholding, you are generally required to pay estimated taxes four times a year to avoid underpayment penalties.

2026 due dates

Next up: Q3 is due September 15, 2026.

• Q1 (January through March income): April 15, 2026
• Q2 (April through May income): June 15, 2026
• Q3 (June through August income): September 15, 2026
• Q4 (September through December income): January 15, 2027

What to have ready

• Estimated net profit for the quarter. Your P&L helps here.
• The prior-year safe harbor: paying at least 100% of last year's tax (110% if your adjusted gross income was over $150,000) generally protects you from penalties.
• State estimated payments too. Check your state's schedule, because the dates often differ from federal.

How to pay

• Federal: IRS Direct Pay at irs.gov/payments. No account required.
• Or mail a check with Form 1040-ES to the appropriate IRS address.

The exact amount to pay is a tax question, so confirm it with your CPA or tax professional. Clean monthly books make that conversation take minutes instead of hours.

What happens if I miss a quarterly payment?

The IRS charges an underpayment penalty, which functions like interest on what you should have paid. It is not catastrophic, and paying late is far better than not paying. If you have missed one, the usual advice is to pay as soon as you can rather than waiting for the next quarter.

What is the safe harbor rule?

Paying at least 100% of last year’s total tax, or 110% if your adjusted gross income was over $150,000, generally protects you from underpayment penalties even if you end up owing more. It is the simplest way to stop guessing.

Do I owe Minnesota estimated taxes too?

Usually yes if you owe federal, and the state dates often differ from the federal ones. Check Minnesota’s schedule separately rather than assuming they line up.

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