Employers withhold tax from every paycheck. When you're paid on a 1099, nobody does, so the IRS expects you to pay four times during the year. Paying too little on time brings an underpayment penalty, charged like interest.
Here's how much to pay, when, and how the safe harbor protects you.
2026 due dates
| Income earned | Payment due |
|---|---|
| January 1 to March 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| April 1 to May 31 | June 15, 2026 |
| June 1 to August 31 | September 15, 2026 |
| September 1 to December 31 | January 15, 2027 |
How much to pay
- You need to pay estimates if you'll owe $1,000 or more after withholding.
- Safe harbor: pay the smaller of 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's (110% if last year's AGI was over $150,000), spread across the four dates.
- Your tax is self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of profit) plus income tax, after half of SE tax, the standard deduction and usually a 20% QBI deduction.
Example: $80,000 profit, single, first year freelancing
Self-employment tax $11,304 plus income tax $5,344: $16,648 for the year.
90% is $14,983, so pay $3,746 on each date. The last $1,665 is due by April 15, 2027.
If last year's total tax was $10,000, paying $2,500 a quarter is enough to avoid the penalty.
To compare 1099 work with a salaried job, use the W-2 vs 1099 calculator.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your expected 1099 profit and any W-2 wages and withholding.
- Choose your filing status.
- Enter last year's total tax, if you filed, to use the prior-year safe harbor.
FAQs
When are 2026 estimated taxes due?
April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
What is the safe harbor?
Paying at least 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's (110% above $150,000 AGI) through withholding and estimates on time. Then there's no underpayment penalty, even if you owe more when you file.
How much should I set aside from each payment?
Around 20% to 30% of profit covers federal tax for most freelancers. The calculator shows your exact share.
Do I also pay state estimated tax?
Most states with an income tax have their own schedule and forms. Some, like California, require uneven amounts.
Sources
- Kiplinger: When are estimated tax payments due in 2026?
- IRS: Topic 554, Self-employment tax
- IRS: tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026 (Rev. Proc. 2025-32)
Results are estimates and aren't tax, legal or financial advice. For your own return, check with a CPA or enrolled agent. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.