Estimated Quarterly Tax Calculator
Self-employed workers pay tax quarterly instead of through a paycheck. This calculator estimates your four payments from your net profit and other income.
How this calculator works
Self-employment tax is 15.3% of 92.35% of your net profit (Social Security 12.4% plus Medicare 2.9%). Half of that is deductible, and the remainder plus your other income is taxed at the 2026 income brackets after the standard deduction. The calculator totals self-employment tax and income tax, subtracts credits, and divides by four — your quarterly payments, due April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15.
Frequently asked questions
When are quarterly estimated payments due?
April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year. Payments are made through IRS Direct Pay or IRS2Go; skipping a payment can trigger an underpayment penalty.
Do I have to pay quarterly if I have a job too?
You may avoid estimated payments by increasing your W-4 withholding at your job instead — as long as total withholding covers at least 90% of what you owe (or 100% of last year's tax).
Is the self-employment tax on top of income tax?
Yes — self-employed people pay both. The 15.3% self-employment tax covers the Social Security and Medicare share that employers normally pay half of. The income tax is calculated separately on your profit.
Disclaimer: Results are estimates for general information only and do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures reflect 2026 rules and may change. Always confirm current limits and consult a qualified professional before making decisions. Official figures: IRS.gov · 2026 limits per IRS tax inflation adjustments.