Quarterly Estimated Tax Due Dates 2026: When to Pay 1040-ES
When are quarterly estimated taxes due in 2026? April 15, June 15, Sept 15, Jan 15. Who must pay, safe harbor rule, and how to calculate your 1040-ES payments.
Quarterly Estimated Tax Due Dates 2026: When to Pay 1040-ES
Self-employed and gig workers often need to pay quarterly estimated taxes. Here are the 2026 due dates, who must pay, and how to avoid penalties.
2026 Quarterly Tax Due Dates
- Q1 (Jan–Mar): April 15, 2026
- Q2 (Apr–May): June 15, 2026
- Q3 (Jun–Aug): September 15, 2026
- Q4 (Sep–Dec): January 15, 2027
If a due date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it moves to the next business day.
Who Must Pay Quarterly Estimated Taxes?
You generally must pay if you expect to owe $1,000 or more after subtracting withholding and credits. This commonly applies to:
- Self-employed individuals and sole proprietors
- Gig workers (Uber, DoorDash, freelancers)
- Partners and S-corp shareholders
- Those with significant investment or rental income
The Safe Harbor Rule
Pay 100% of your prior year's tax (110% if prior-year AGI exceeded $150,000) in four equal quarterly payments. This avoids underpayment penalties even if your actual tax is higher. Use safe harbor when income is hard to predict.
How to Pay
- Federal: IRS.gov/payments, EFTPS, or mail Form 1040-ES voucher
- State: Check your state revenue department for online payment or vouchers
Calculate Your Quarterly Payments
Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator – federal and state →
Enter self-employment income, expenses, W-2 income, and withholding. Get federal and state quarterly amounts with safe harbor option.
Calculate your 1040-ES payments →
*Consult IRS Publication 505 or a tax professional for your situation.*