What Quarterly Estimated Taxes Are
Employees have taxes withheld from every paycheck. Self-employed workers, freelancers, and those with significant non-wage income must pay estimated taxes quarterly. These payments cover: federal income tax and self-employment tax (15.3% for SE income). If you expect to owe $1,000+ in federal tax for the year, you’re required to make quarterly payments.
2025 quarterly estimated tax payment schedule
| Quarter | Income Period | Payment Due Date 2025 | Who Must Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | January 1 – March 31 | April 15, 2025 | Expected SE income $400+; expected tax owed $1,000+ |
| Q2 | April 1 – May 31 | June 16, 2025 | Same criteria |
| Q3 | June 1 – August 31 | September 15, 2025 | Same criteria |
| Q4 | September 1 – December 31 | January 15, 2026 | Same criteria |
The safest strategy: pay 100% of your prior year tax in equal quarterly installments. If prior year total tax was $16,000, pay $4,000 per quarter. Even if you earn more this year, no underpayment penalty applies. If prior year AGI exceeded $150,000, use 110% of prior year tax instead.
Calculator Inputs
You need: expected annual net SE income, expected income from other sources (interest, dividends, W-2 if applicable), filing status, and any planned deductions (Solo 401k, health insurance, business deductions). The calculator outputs: total expected annual tax, quarterly payment amounts, and potential penalty if you underpay.
Sample Calculation: $70,000 Net SE Income
Quarterly estimated tax calculation — $70,000 net SE income, single filer
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Net SE income | $70,000 |
| SE tax (14.13%) | $9,891 |
| Federal income tax (after deductions) | $4,200 |
| Total expected tax | $14,091 |
| Quarterly payment (÷4) | $3,523/quarter |
| Monthly reserve needed (÷12) | $1,174/month |
Calculate Your 2025 Quarterly Tax Payments
Enter your projected income and deductions to see your exact Q1–Q4 payment amounts and total 2025 tax liability.