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2026 quarterly estimated tax calculator

A quick, rough estimate of your federal quarterly tax payments as a sole proprietor: self-employment tax plus income tax, split into four payments. Federal only; it doesn't include state tax.

Money in minus deductible expenses (your Schedule C profit).

Filing status

W-2 pay for the year, yours or both spouses' if filing jointly.

Each quarterly payment, about

$0

Under $1,000 for the year, so you may not need quarterly payments.

Self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare)
$0.00
Federal income tax
$0.00
Total federal tax for the year
$0.00
Standard deduction
$16,100.00

2026 due dates

  • April 15, 2026
  • June 15, 2026
  • September 15, 2026
  • January 15, 2027

How it works

Self-employment tax is 15.3% (12.4% Social Security and 2.9% Medicare) on 92.35% of your profit. In 2026 the Social Security part stops at $184,500 of combined wages and self-employment earnings. Earnings above $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married filing jointly) also pay a 0.9% additional Medicare tax.

Income tax uses the 2026 brackets on your profit plus any wages, minus half of your self-employment tax, the standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly) and, below the 2026 income threshold ($201,750 single, $403,500 joint), the 20% qualified business income deduction.

You generally need to pay estimated tax if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file. 2026 payments are due April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.

We keep it simple on purpose: no credits, no itemized deductions, no state tax, no retirement contributions or self-employed health insurance. Use it to plan, then confirm with a tax pro.

Sources (checked October 2026): IRS: 2026 tax inflation adjustments (IR-2025-103); IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32; IRS: Estimated taxes; IRS: 2026 Instructions for Schedule SE.

This is a free estimate for general information, not tax advice. Your situation may be different, so check with a tax professional.

Questions

Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?

Generally, anyone who expects to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax when they file, after withholding and credits. Most self-employed people with a profit do.

When are 2026 estimated payments due?

April 15, 2026; June 15, 2026; September 15, 2026; and January 15, 2027.

What is the self-employment tax rate in 2026?

15.3%: 12.4% for Social Security (on up to $184,500 of earnings in 2026) and 2.9% for Medicare, applied to 92.35% of your net profit.

How do I avoid an underpayment penalty?

The IRS says most people avoid it by paying at least 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's tax, whichever is smaller. Higher earners may have a higher bar, so check with a tax pro.

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