Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator Tax Year 2026

Calculate your quarterly estimated tax payments and safe harbor amounts to avoid IRS underpayment penalties.

Net Self-Employment Income

Your expected net SE income for the full 2026 tax year (after business expenses).

Filing Status

State

Other Income (W-2, etc.) -- optional

W-2 wages or other non-SE income. W-2 withholding is handled separately by your employer.

Prior Year Total Tax (from last year's return) -- optional

Line 24 of your 2025 Form 1040. Used for safe harbor calculation. Leave at 0 if this is your first year.

Prior Year AGI -- optional

Line 11 of your 2025 Form 1040. If your prior year AGI exceeded $150,000 ($75,000 MFS), the safe harbor is 110% of prior year tax instead of 100%.

W-2 Tax Already Withheld (2026) -- optional

Federal tax withheld from W-2 paychecks so far in 2026. Reduces the amount you need to pay quarterly.

Include QBI deduction (20% of business income)

My business is an SSTB (law, accounting, health, consulting, etc.)

I am 65 or older

My spouse is also 65 or older

Add Credits & Deductions (Dependents, Health Insurance, Retirement, etc.)

Children Under 17

Child Tax Credit: $2,200 per child (OBBBA). Phases out above $200K (single) / $400K (joint).

Self-Employed Health Insurance Premiums

Above-the-line deduction. Cannot exceed net SE income. Not available for months you were eligible for an employer-sponsored plan.

Retirement Contributions (SEP IRA / Solo 401k)

Above-the-line deduction. SEP IRA max: ~18.6% of net SE income (up to $70,000). Solo 401k: up to $23,500 employee + 25% employer.

Home Office (Square Feet)

Simplified method: $5/sq ft, max 300 sq ft ($1,500). Used exclusively and regularly for business.

Student Loan Interest Paid

Above-the-line deduction, max $2,500. Phases out at higher incomes.

Itemized Deductions (used only if greater than your standard deduction)

SALT (state income tax + property tax) is capped at $40,400 for 2026 under OBBBA — up from $10,000.

Property Tax Paid

Real estate + personal property taxes. Combined with state income tax, the total counts toward the $40,400 SALT cap.

Other Itemized Deductions

Mortgage interest, charitable contributions, medical expenses above 7.5% of AGI. Do NOT include state/property tax — those are SALT, computed automatically.

Investment Income (subset of "Other Income")

Interest, dividends, capital gains, rental, royalties — should already be inside your Other Income above. Triggers a 3.8% NIIT surtax above $200K single / $250K MFJ AGI.

Qualified Tips (OBBBA “No Tax on Tips”)

Up to $25,000 of qualified tip income is exempt from federal income tax under OBBBA §70201. Still subject to SE tax. Most freelancers do not have tip income.

Recommended Quarterly Payment

Total Estimated Tax

Federal Tax

State Tax

Safe Harbor Amount

Quarterly Payment Schedule

Safe Harbor Calculation

Underpayment Penalty Risk

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Tax Breakdown

Component	Amount

SSTB Notice: Your income exceeds the 2026 QBI threshold ($201,775 single / $403,550 joint). If your business is a Specified Service Trade or Business (SSTB) — law, accounting, health, consulting, athletics, financial services, performing arts, or brokerage — check the “My business is an SSTB” box above for an accurate phase-out. Consult a tax professional for QBI optimization.

AMT Notice: Your income and itemized SALT are both high, which puts you in the rare zone where the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) may apply. Itemized SALT is added back when computing AMTI, so a large SALT deduction at very high income can trigger AMT. This calculator does not compute AMT. If you’re in this range, consult a CPA before filing.

Important: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. It is not tax, legal, or financial advice. Your actual tax liability depends on deductions, credits, other income, and factors not captured here. Quarterly estimated taxes are typically required if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax when you file your return. State quarterly requirements vary. Your city or municipality may levy additional local income taxes not reflected here. Consult a qualified tax professional for your specific situation.

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How Quarterly Estimated Taxes Work

Who must pay: If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax after subtracting withholding and credits, you generally must make quarterly estimated tax payments (IRS Form 1040-ES).
Due dates: Q1: April 15, Q2: June 15, Q3: September 15, Q4: January 15 of the following year. If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. Most states follow the same schedule.
Safe harbor rule (100% / 110%): To avoid underpayment penalties, you must pay at least the lesser of: (a) 90% of your current year tax liability, or (b) 100% of your prior year tax liability. If your prior year AGI exceeded $150,000 ($75,000 if married filing separately), the 100% threshold increases to 110%.
Calculating quarterly amounts: Divide your total estimated tax liability (federal SE tax + federal income tax + state tax, minus any W-2 withholding) by 4 for equal quarterly payments. You can also use the annualized income installment method (Form 2210, Schedule AI) if income is uneven.
State estimated taxes: Most states with income tax also require quarterly estimated payments, generally following the same schedule and safe harbor rules as federal. Some states have different thresholds.
Underpayment penalty: The IRS charges an underpayment penalty (currently ~7% annual rate for 2026, compounded daily) on the shortfall for each quarter. The penalty applies separately to each quarter's underpayment from the due date to the payment date or April 15.
W-2 withholding credit: Federal tax withheld from W-2 wages counts as estimated payments made evenly across all 4 quarters, even if the withholding occurred unevenly. This calculator subtracts your W-2 withholding before computing quarterly amounts.

Primary sources: IRS Form 1040-ES · IRS Topic 306 - Penalty for Underpayment · IRS Form 2210 - Underpayment of Estimated Tax · Tax Foundation - 2026 Brackets

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