Quarterly Estimated Taxes for Freelancers and the Self-Employed
By Erick Martinez · September 24, 2026 · 5 min read
When no employer withholds tax from your pay, the IRS expects you to pay during the year. Here's how quarterly estimates work.
Who needs to pay estimates?
Generally, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file, and withholding won't cover it, you should make estimated payments. This is common for freelancers, contractors, rideshare drivers and business owners.
The four due dates
Payments are usually due in mid-April, mid-June, mid-September and mid-January of the next year. If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
Don't forget self-employment tax
Besides income tax, self-employed people pay Social Security and Medicare tax on their net earnings. Many people are surprised by this the first year.
A simple habit that helps
Move a set share of every payment you receive into a separate savings account for taxes. Then quarterly payments come from money already set aside.
Plan instead of guessing
A quarterly projection shows what you'll likely owe based on your real income so far, so the April number is not a surprise.
This article is general information, not tax or legal advice for your situation.
Want help with this?
Erick works with clients in Cypress, TX and by virtual call, in English or Spanish.