Quarterly estimated tax calculator

If you own a profitable business, the IRS expects you to pay tax through the year, not just in April. Estimate your 2026 federal tax and see what to pay each quarter, and the amount that keeps you safe from a penalty.

Filing status How your business is taxed

Business profit for 2026

Your best estimate for the full year, after business expenses. For an S corp, the profit after your salary. W-2 wages for you and your spouse

Including any salary your S corp pays you. Federal tax withheld from those wages

From your pay stubs or W-2s. Other income

Interest, dividends, rental income and similar.

Children under 17 Estimates already paid for 2026

Last year's total federal tax (optional)

From line 24 of your 2025 Form 1040. Used for the safe harbor. Last year's adjusted gross income was over $150,000

Pay each quarter

Income tax$0

Self-employment tax$0

Child tax credit$0

Estimated 2026 federal tax$0

Withheld from wages$0

To pay in estimates for the year$0

A planning estimate using 2026 federal brackets, the standard deduction, the 20% business income deduction without its limits at higher incomes, and self-employment tax. It leaves out state tax, capital gains rates, AMT and other credits. Confirm with your CPA.

How the calculation works

Your business profit, wages and other income add up to your income for the year. Half of any self-employment tax, the standard deduction and the 20% business income deduction come off, and the rest is taxed at the 2026 federal brackets. A sole proprietor or single-member LLC also owes self-employment tax on the profit. The child tax credit comes off the total.

Whatever your wages' withholding doesn't cover is what you pay in estimates, split into four payments. The safe harbor tells you the least you can pay and still avoid a penalty.

Common questions

When are the 2026 payments due?

April 15, 2026, June 15, 2026, September 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027. When a date falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day. Pay online through IRS Direct Pay or your IRS account.

How do I avoid an underpayment penalty?

Pay at least the smaller of 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's tax through withholding and estimates, spread across the year. If last year's adjusted gross income was over $150,000, the second test is 110% of last year's tax. Paying based on last year is the simplest way to be safe when income is rising.

Who has to pay estimated taxes?

Generally anyone who expects to owe at least $1,000 when they file, after withholding and credits. That includes most owners of profitable sole proprietorships, partnerships and S corps.

Do I owe state estimates too?

Most states with an income tax have their own quarterly payments on similar dates. This calculator covers federal tax only.

Your estimates, worked out from your real books

Cratchit projects this year's federal and state tax from your companies' actual pace, tracks what you've paid, and reminds you before each due date with the amount. Take a guided tour with the Harpers, a sample family.

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Education, not advice. Confirm your estimates with your CPA.