Quarterly Tax Calculator for Freelancers
Freelancers and 1099 contractors don't have an employer withholding taxes from their paychecks — instead, the IRS expects you to send your own taxes in four times a year using Form 1040-ES. This calculator estimates your 2026 quarterly federal payment in seconds, including the 15.3% self-employment tax. Built for solo proprietors, gig workers, and side-hustlers.
Estimate your 2026 quarterly payment
2026 federal brackets · $184,500 SS wage base · 15.3% SE tax · result divided by 4
Tip: maximize the Business expenses field by tracking every legitimate Schedule C expense — see the ranked deductions list.
Estimate only. Federal portion only — state quarterly amounts are calculated separately on each state page.
What is Form 1040-ES?
Form 1040-ES is the IRS worksheet and payment voucher used by self-employed people, freelancers, and 1099 contractors to pay quarterly estimated taxes. The form covers two things at once: federal income tax and the 15.3% self-employment tax (Social Security + Medicare). W-2 employees never see Form 1040-ES because their employer withholds the equivalent every paycheck. As a freelancer, that withholding is your job.
Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
The IRS rule is simple: if you expect to owe more than $1,000 in federal tax for the year after subtracting any withholding, you're required to send quarterly payments. Most full-time freelancers cross that line on their first big invoice. Side-hustlers earning a few thousand a year on top of a W-2 job often don't — but anyone who freelances full-time should plan to file 1040-ES every quarter.
2026 IRS quarterly deadlines
| Period | Income earned | Payment due |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31, 2026 | June 15, 2026 |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2026 | January 15, 2027 |
Note that Q2 only covers two months and Q3 covers three — the IRS schedule is uneven. Most states mirror this schedule for their own quarterly forms; California is the major exception (30/40/0/30 split). Freelancers in Texas, Florida, and other no-tax states skip state quarterlies entirely.
Worked example: $50,000 freelancer (2026)
Single filer, $4,000 in business expenses, no W-2 income.
| Gross 1099 income | $50,000 |
| Business expenses | − $4,000 |
| Net self-employment income | $46,000 |
| Self-employment tax (15.3% × 92.35%) | $6,499 |
| Federal income tax (after standard deduction + QBI) | $1,470 |
| Total federal + SE tax (annual) | $7,969 |
| Quarterly 1040-ES payment | $1,992 |
Worked example: $80,000 freelancer (2026)
Single filer, $6,000 in business expenses, no W-2 income.
| Gross 1099 income | $80,000 |
| Business expenses | − $6,000 |
| Net self-employment income | $74,000 |
| Self-employment tax (15.3% × 92.35%) | $10,456 |
| Federal income tax (after standard deduction + QBI) | $4,809 |
| Total federal + SE tax (annual) | $15,264 |
| Quarterly 1040-ES payment | $3,816 |
Safe savings rule of thumb
Most US freelancers should set aside 25% to 30% of every 1099 payment in a separate savings account from day one. At $50k that covers the federal bill comfortably; at $120k you'll want closer to 30% (plus an extra 5–10% if you live in a high-tax state like California or New York). See full savings guide →
How to actually pay your quarterly taxes
The fastest, free option is IRS Direct Pay at IRS.gov — about 60 seconds, no account required. You can also pay via the IRS2Go app, EFTPS (free, requires account), or by mailing a 1040-ES voucher with a check. Avoid paying by debit/credit card: the third-party processors charge 1.85%–1.98% in fees that the IRS itself doesn't collect.
What happens if you skip a quarter?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty (technically interest, currently around 8% APR, set quarterly). It's calculated separately for each missed quarter, so a Q1 miss is more expensive than a Q4 miss. The good news: as long as you pay the lower of (a) 90% of your current-year tax or (b) 100% of last year's tax (110% if last year's AGI exceeded $150,000), you're inside the IRS "safe harbor" and the penalty is waived even if you owe more at filing.
Quarterly tax FAQ
What is Form 1040-ES?
Form 1040-ES is the IRS form freelancers and self-employed people use to pay quarterly estimated taxes. It covers federal income tax + 15.3% self-employment tax in one payment.
When are quarterly taxes due in 2026?
The four federal quarterly deadlines for tax year 2026 are April 15, 2026; June 15, 2026; September 15, 2026; and January 15, 2027.
Do I have to pay quarterly taxes as a freelancer?
Yes, if you expect to owe more than $1,000 in federal tax for the year (after withholding). Most full-time 1099 freelancers cross this threshold easily.
How much should I pay each quarter?
A simple starting point is 25% to 30% of every 1099 payment. The calculator at the top of this page gives a more precise number based on your actual income and expenses.
Can I use my last year's tax bill as a guide?
Yes — the IRS "safe harbor" rule lets you avoid penalties as long as you pay 100% of last year's total tax (110% if your AGI was over $150,000), spread evenly across the four quarters.
Related guides & calculators
Last updated: January 15, 2026. Disclaimer: This page provides educational estimates only. It is not tax or legal advice. Consult a licensed CPA before making filing decisions.