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. If you're still deciding how much to set aside from each payment, start with how much the self-employed should save for taxes. Built for solo proprietors, gig workers, and side-hustlers.
- Updated for the 2026 tax year
- Educational estimate
- No signup required
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.
Educational estimate only. Actual taxes depend on filing status, credits, deductions, state rules, and other income. Review the calculator methodology and limitations; this tool does not replace advice from a qualified tax professional.
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. For the full filing flow in a no-state-tax state, see how to file freelance taxes in Texas.
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), and the full California return is walked through in filing taxes for freelancers in California. 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. For a full walkthrough — who must pay, the deadlines, and each payment method — see how to pay quarterly taxes as a freelancer.
What happens if you skip a quarter?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty (technically interest, set quarterly by the IRS (7% for individuals in Q3 2026)). It's calculated separately for each missed quarter, so a Q1 miss is more expensive than a Q4 miss — here's the full consequences of skipping quarterly payments. 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: July 18, 2026. Disclaimer: This page provides educational estimates only. It is not tax or legal advice. Consult a licensed CPA before making filing decisions.
Further reading on related topics: how to file taxes as a freelancer in Pennsylvania, how to file taxes as a freelancer in North Carolina, how to file taxes as a freelancer in Arizona, how to file taxes as a freelancer in New Jersey, and how to file taxes as a freelancer in Washington.