2026 Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator
Calculate your four IRS quarterly installment payments for 2026. Avoid underpayment penalties — pay the right amount, on time, every quarter.
Your Tax Plan
2026 Recommended Quarterly Payments
Based on 90% current-year annualized method
| Quarter | Deadline | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Apr 15, 2026 | $3,375 |
| Q2 | Jun 15, 2026 | $3,375 |
| Q3 | Sep 15, 2026 | $3,375 |
| Q4 | Jan 15, 2027 | $3,375 |
| Total Quarterly | $13,500 | |
* Estimates only. IRS underpayment rate is federal short-term rate + 3%, adjusted quarterly.
How the 2026 Quarterly Tax Calculator Works
Two Safe Harbor Methods
The IRS lets you avoid penalties by using either 1) the prior-year safe harbor (100% of last year's tax, or 110% if AGI exceeded $150,000), or 2) 90% of the current year's actual tax, annualized quarterly.
Annualized vs. Equal
If your income arrives unevenly — for instance, most of it in Q4 — annualizing income each quarter (Schedule AI of Form 2210) can lower or eliminate penalty. Our calculator supports even, front-loaded and back-loaded patterns.
Quarterly Deadlines
Q1: April 15 · Q2: June 15 · Q3: September 15 · Q4: January 15 (next year). Weekends and holidays move the deadline to the next business day.
Paying Electronically
Pay online via IRS Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or by debit/credit card. Always keep a confirmation number for your records.
Quarterly Estimated Tax FAQs
The four quarterly estimated tax deadlines for 2026 are: April 15, 2026 (Q1); June 15, 2026 (Q2); September 15, 2026 (Q3); and January 15, 2027 (Q4).
You must pay quarterly estimated taxes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in tax for the year and had tax liability the prior year. Corporations generally must pay if they expect to owe $500 or more.
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty for each quarter you underpay. The penalty is calculated based on the federal short-term rate plus 3%, prorated daily for the period of underpayment.
Yes, by paying 100% of last year's tax liability (110% if your AGI was over $150,000), or by paying 90% of the current year's actual tax liability through quarterly installments.