The Annual Quarterly Tax Timeline
Annual quarterly estimated tax calendar with time requirements
| Month | Action | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| January | Project full-year income; calculate annual expected tax; open EFTPS account | 2 hours |
| February | File prior year taxes (or extension); confirm safe harbor if using | With CPA or 4–6 hours self-prep |
| March | Verify Q1 income; confirm Q1 payment amount | 30 minutes |
| April 15 | Pay Q1 estimated tax (Jan–Mar income) | 5–15 minutes online |
| May | Track Q2 income (April–May only) | Ongoing |
| June 16 | Pay Q2 estimated tax (Apr–May income) | 5–15 minutes online |
| August | Track Q3 income; verify year-to-date vs. projection | 30 minutes |
| September 15 | Pay Q3 estimated tax (Jun–Aug income) | 5–15 minutes online |
| November | Review full-year income projection; adjust Q4 estimate | 30 minutes |
| December | Year-end optimization: maximize Solo 401k, deductions | 1–2 hours |
| January 15 | Pay Q4 estimated tax (Sep–Dec income) | 5–15 minutes online |
How to Pay: Step-by-Step for IRS Direct Pay
Step 1: Go to irs.gov/payments. Step 2: Click 'Pay from Bank Account (Direct Pay).' Step 3: Select 'Estimated Tax' as the reason for payment. Step 4: Select the applicable tax year. Step 5: Enter your bank account routing and account numbers. Step 6: Confirm the payment amount and date. Step 7: Submit and save the confirmation number. The IRS confirms immediately and debits your account within 1–2 business days.
Set up an EFTPS account (eftps.gov) in January and schedule all four quarterly payments in advance. This eliminates the risk of forgetting a due date. EFTPS requires 1–2 weeks for initial setup — do it in January before Q1 due date approaches.
The Monthly Reserve System
After each client payment posts: transfer 28% to a dedicated HYSA. This reserve grows throughout the quarter. Before each quarterly due date: transfer the calculated amount from the HYSA to your checking account, then pay via Direct Pay or EFTPS. The HYSA earns 4.5% on the reserve while it accumulates — approximately $200–$500/year interest income on typical reserves. This interest is taxable but adds to your available funds.
Calculate Your Quarterly Payment Schedule Now
Enter your projected income to see your exact payment amounts for all four quarters — then add the due dates to your calendar.