Quarterly Tax Calculator 2026: Estimate Your Payments
As a self-employed gig worker, you must pay taxes four times a year, not just once. This quarterly tax calculator helps you determine exactly how much to set aside for each payment deadline to avoid expensive IRS underpayment penalties.
Unlike W-2 employees who have taxes withheld automatically, gig workers for Uber, DoorDash, Instacart, and other platforms receive their full pay without any withholding. The IRS expects you to pay as you earn through quarterly estimated tax payments.
Safe Harbor Calculation (Optional)
Enter your 2025 tax information to calculate safe harbor amount and avoid underpayment penalties
Understanding Quarterly Estimated Taxes
Quarterly estimated taxes are pre-payments of your annual income tax and self-employment tax made throughout the year. The IRS designed this system because self-employed individuals don't have employers withholding taxes from their paychecks.
When you use this calculator, it estimates your total annual tax liability (combining the 15.3% self-employment tax and federal income tax), then divides by four to give you each quarterly payment amount.
💡 Why Quarterly Payments Matter
- • Avoid Penalties: The IRS charges ~8% annual interest on underpaid taxes
- • Smooth Cash Flow: Smaller quarterly payments are easier than one large annual bill
- • No Surprises: You always know where you stand with taxes
- • Better Planning: Helps you price gig work profitably
2026 Quarterly Tax Due Dates
Mark these dates on your calendar. Payments are due by 11:59 PM on each date. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
April 15, 2026
June 15, 2026
September 15, 2026
January 15, 2027
Note: The quarterly periods aren't equal (Q2 covers only 2 months while Q3 covers 3). This is just how the IRS structured the payment schedule. Most gig workers simply divide their annual tax by 4 and pay equal amounts each quarter.
The Safe Harbor Rule: Avoid Penalties Guaranteed
The IRS provides a "safe harbor" rule that guarantees you won't face underpayment penalties if you meet certain thresholds. This is especially useful if your income varies significantly from year to year.
Option 1: 100% of Prior Year Tax
Pay at least 100% of your total tax from last year through quarterly payments. If your AGI was over $150,000 last year, you need to pay 110% instead. This works well if you expect similar or higher income this year.
Option 2: 90% of Current Year Tax
Pay at least 90% of what you'll owe for the current tax year. This requires estimating your annual income, which can be tricky for gig workers with variable earnings. This calculator helps with that estimate.
Meet either safe harbor threshold and you're protected from penalties—even if you owe additional tax when you file your return.
How to Make Quarterly Tax Payments
The IRS offers several convenient ways to pay your quarterly estimated taxes. Here are your options from easiest to most complex:
IRS Direct Pay (Recommended)
Free, instant payments directly from your bank account at irs.gov/directpay. No registration required. Select "Estimated Tax" as the payment type and choose the correct tax year and quarter.
EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System)
Free payments with scheduling capability. Requires one-time enrollment at eftps.gov. Good for scheduling recurring payments in advance.
Credit/Debit Card
Pay through IRS-approved processors. Convenience fees apply: ~1.85% for credit cards, ~$2.50 for debit cards. Only use if you need rewards or don't have bank access.
Mail a Check with Form 1040-ES
Traditional paper method. Download Form 1040-ES vouchers from irs.gov, fill out the voucher, and mail with check to the address for your state. Allow 5-7 days for processing.
Common Quarterly Tax Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗
Paying once per year instead of quarterly
Even if you pay your full tax by April 15, you'll owe penalties for not paying throughout the year.
- ✗
Forgetting self-employment tax (15.3%)
Many gig workers only estimate income tax and forget the additional 15.3% SE tax.
- ✗
Not tracking deductions like mileage
Deductions reduce your tax. Use our mileage calculator and track expenses year-round.
- ✗
Guessing instead of calculating
Use this calculator to get accurate estimates. Guessing often leads to underpayment or overpayment.
- ✗
Not adjusting when income changes
Recalculate quarterly if your income significantly increases or decreases. You're not locked into equal payments.
When to Recalculate Your Quarterly Payments
Quarterly taxes are dynamic, not set-and-forget. You should re-run this calculator if:
- Your gig income increases or drops significantly
- You add a new gig platform or client
- You start or stop a W-2 job (which affects withholding)
- Your business expenses change substantially
- Your filing status changes (marriage, divorce, etc.)
- You have a new dependent or lose a dependent
A good practice is to recalculate before each quarterly payment. This ensures your payments stay accurate as your situation evolves throughout the year.
Related Tax Calculators
Gig Worker Tax Calculator
Calculate your total federal tax liability including SE tax and income tax.
Self-Employment Tax Calculator
Focus on the 15.3% SE tax with detailed breakdown.
Mileage Deduction Calculator
Calculate mileage deduction at 67 cents per mile for 2026.
State Tax Calculator
Estimate state income tax in addition to federal taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More About Gig Worker Taxes
Disclaimer: This quarterly tax calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Your actual tax liability may vary. Consult a qualified tax professional for personalized advice.