Estimated tax payments are periodic advance payments towards your expected tax liability. They are typically required from individuals, sole proprietors, partners, S corporation shareholders, and certain corporations if they anticipate owing tax of $1,000 or more (or $500 for corporations) when their return is filed. These payments are essential for income not subject to regular withholding, such as earnings from self-employment, interest, dividends, alimony, rent, gains from the sale of assets, prizes, and awards.
Why Pay Them Quarterly?
The IRS operates on a "pay-as-you-go" tax system, meaning taxpayers are required to pay most of their tax during the year as they earn or receive income, rather than at the end. This system includes two methods:
Withholding Tax from your pay, pension, or certain government payments (like Social Security).
Making Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments during the year for other income sources.
This approach helps avoid a surprise tax bill at the year's end and potential penalties for underpayment.
How to Determine If You Need to Make Estimated Tax Payments
You must generally make estimated tax payments for the current year if:
You expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax after subtracting withholding and refundable credits.
Your withholding and refundable credits are expected to be less than either 90% of the tax to be shown on your current year’s tax return or 100% of the tax shown on your prior year’s tax return.
How to Calculate and Pay Estimated Taxes
To calculate your estimated tax, use Form 1040-ES. This form contains a worksheet that helps figure the estimated tax you should pay. It requires details about your expected adjusted gross income, taxable income, taxes, deductions, and credits for the year.
For payment, you can use Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or mail a check or money order with a payment voucher from Form 1040-ES.
Payment Schedule for Estimated Taxes
Estimated tax payments are due four times a year:
For income earned Jan 1 to March 31, payment is due April 15.
For income earned April 1 to May 31, payment is due June 15.
For income earned June 1 to August 31, payment is due September 15.
For income earned September 1 to December 31, payment is due January 15 of the following year.
Consequences of Over or Underpaying
Underpayment: If you don't pay enough through withholding and estimated tax payments, you might be charged a penalty. Even if you're due a refund when you file your tax return, a penalty can apply if your estimated tax payments are late.
Overpayment: If you overpay, you'll have the option to receive a refund or apply the overpayment to your estimated tax for the next year.
Special Considerations
High Income Earners: There are different rules for certain high-income taxpayers, farmers, fishermen, and nonresident aliens.
Life Changes: Adjust your payments if there are significant changes in your income or personal circumstances. Using the Tax Withholding Estimator can help with this.
Reporting Estimated Tax Payments on Your Return
Report all your estimated tax payments on Form 1040, line 26.
For more detailed guidance and specific forms, refer directly to the IRS resources: Estimated Taxes and Pay As You Go, So You Won’t Owe.
We can help!
During the course of your tax preparation, we are not just looking at last year's information. We can help you plan for the upcoming year as well. Let your consultant know about potential changes in your financial situation, and we can calculate your estimated tax payments for you. We will also provide the payment vouchers or ways to pay online.
In the intricate world of taxes, estimated tax payments stand as a proactive approach to financial responsibility. We encourage you to embrace the practice of making estimated tax payments. By doing so, you not only comply with tax regulations but also gain control over your financial success.