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Quarterly estimated tax calculator

Enter your expected net profit and an income tax rate. You get the self-employment tax, the total for the year and what to pay each quarter, with the due dates.

Income minus business expenses (Schedule C)

Your expected effective federal (and state) rate

Your quarterly payments

$3,792.27 a quarter

Social Security (12.4%)
$6,870.84
Medicare (2.9%)
$1,606.89
Self-employment tax
$8,477.73
Income tax at 12%
$6,691.34
Total for 2026
$15,169.07

Due April 15, 2026, June 15, 2026, September 15, 2026, January 15, 2027.

An estimate to help you save, not tax advice. Ask a tax professional for your actual estimated payments.

Track your profit and set-aside in Invoice Native, free

Sources: IRS: Self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare taxes) · IRS Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals · SSA: 2026 Social Security changes (taxable maximum $184,500)

How the estimate is worked out

Self-employment tax is 15.3% of 92.35% of your net profit: 12.4% for Social Security, on earnings up to $184,500 in 2026, and 2.9% for Medicare on all of it. Above $200,000 ($250,000 married filing jointly), another 0.9% Medicare tax applies.

Income tax depends on your bracket, deductions and state, so you choose the rate. Half of the self-employment tax is deductible, so the calculator takes it off before applying your rate.

When to pay

  • April 15, June 15 and September 15, then January 15 of the next year.
  • A date on a weekend or federal holiday moves to the next business day.
  • Pay with IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS or your IRS online account, and keep the confirmations.

Last updated 2026-10-05. This calculator is a guide, not tax advice.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay estimated tax?

Generally yes, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file and no employer withholds enough for you. Most freelancers and sole proprietors do.

What if I underpay?

The IRS can charge an underpayment penalty, a form of interest. Paying at least 100% of last year’s tax (110% at higher incomes), or 90% of this year’s, usually avoids it.

How much should I set aside from each payment?

Many freelancers save 25% to 30% of their profit. This calculator gives a figure for your numbers; a tax professional can give you the real one.