The IRS follows a pay-as-you-go tax system, which means taxes generally must be paid throughout the year as income is earned. Most taxpayers meet this requirement through tax withholding from their paychecks, pensions, or other income sources. However, if you don't have enough tax withheld, you may need to make federal estimated tax payments.
Federal estimated tax payments are typically made by taxpayers who receive income that is not subject to withholding, such as:
- Self-employment income
- Business income from a sole proprietorship
- Partnership income
- S corporation income
- Investment income
- Rental income
- Other sources of income without tax withholding
You may also choose to make estimated tax payments if the federal income tax withheld from your wages, pension, or other income is not enough to cover your expected tax liability.
When Are Federal Estimated Tax Payments Due?
Estimated taxes are generally paid in four installments during the year. For the 2026 tax year, the typical payment schedule is:
- April 15, 2026
- June 15, 2026
- September 15, 2026
- January 15, 2027
Making timely payments can help you avoid underpayment penalties and large tax bills when you file your return.
How Do I Calculate My Estimated Tax Payments?
To estimate how much federal tax you should pay throughout the year, complete Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals.
The worksheet included with Form 1040-ES helps you estimate:
- Income
- Deductions
- Credits
- Tax liability
- Required quarterly payments
Please note that our software does not automatically calculate your estimated tax payments for you.
To access the Form 1040-ES calculator in the program:
- Go to Federal
- Select Payments & Estimates
- Choose Vouchers for 2027 Estimated Payments
- Select 1040 Estimated Payments Calculator
Am I Required to Make Estimated Tax Payments?
In general, you should make estimated tax payments for the current tax year if both of the following apply:
- You expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax for the current tax year after subtracting withholding and refundable credits.
- You expect your withholding and credits to be less than the smaller of:
- 90% of the tax shown on your current year's return, or
- 100% of the tax shown on your prior year's return, provided that return covered all 12 months.
If both conditions apply, estimated tax payments may be required to avoid underpayment penalties.
How Do I Print Estimated Tax Payment Vouchers?
If you want to mail your estimated tax payments instead of paying electronically, you can generate payment vouchers through the program.
To create estimated payment vouchers:
- Go to Federal
- Select Payments & Estimates
- Choose Vouchers for Next Year's Estimated Payments
After the vouchers have been generated, you can print them from the Review/Print section of your return PDF.