Estimated tax calculator 2026
Freelancing doesn’t come with a payroll department — so you’re the one who has to set money aside. Enter your numbers and see what to put away for 2026, updated as you type.
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Estimates only — not tax advice. Based on IRS 2026 rules.
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Frequently asked questions
Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
You generally must pay estimated taxes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file — freelancers, contractors, and small-business owners usually do. If you're an employee, your employer withholds for you, but self-employment income has no withholding, so the IRS expects quarterly payments instead.
When are the 2026 quarterly tax due dates?
For tax year 2026, quarterly estimated payments are due April 15, June 15, and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. They're not evenly spaced — the second 'quarter' is only two months — which trips up a lot of first-year freelancers.
What happens if I underpay estimated taxes?
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty, calculated separately for each quarter you paid too little. The penalty is based on the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points, so it grows the longer you wait. Paying by the safe harbor amount (see below) avoids it entirely.
How is self-employment tax calculated?
Self-employment tax is 15.3% — 12.4% for Social Security up to the annual wage base ($184,500 for 2026) plus 2.9% for Medicare with no cap. You pay it on 92.35% of your net profit, and you can deduct half of it from your income tax. High earners pay an extra 0.9% Medicare tax above the threshold.
What is the safe harbor rule?
The safe harbor rule protects you from penalties: pay either 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's tax (110% if your adjusted gross income was over $150,000), whichever is smaller. Enter last year's total tax above and the calculator applies it for you.
Does this include state taxes?
No — this calculator covers federal taxes only. State income tax and state-specific rules vary widely, so check your state's revenue department or a tax professional for those numbers.