Quick answer
Enter your expected 2026 profit and filing status, and this free calculator estimates your self-employment tax, federal income tax and the amount to pay each quarter. A freelancer with $60,000 of profit and no other income owes about $12,037 in federal tax for 2026, or roughly $3,009 per quarter.
The remaining 2026 due dates are September 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027. Read our full guide to quarterly estimated taxes for the rules behind the numbers.
Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator (2026)
Estimate your federal quarterly payments as a freelancer or 1099 contractor.
How the calculator works
- Self-employment tax: 15.3% on 92.35% of your profit. The 12.4% Social Security part stops at the $184,500 wage base for 2026, minus any W-2 wages. See self-employment tax explained.
- Income tax: your profit plus other wages, minus half of your SE tax and the 2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household), taxed at the 2026 brackets.
- QBI deduction: if ticked, up to 20% of your business income is deducted, as explained in our QBI deduction guide.
- Quarterly payment: your total federal tax, minus tax already withheld from a job, divided by four.
Worked example
Maya is a single graphic designer expecting $60,000 of profit in 2026, with no other job.
- SE tax: $60,000 x 92.35% x 15.3% = $8,478
- Half of SE tax deducted: $4,239, so her AGI is $55,761
- After the $16,100 standard deduction and a $7,932 QBI deduction, taxable income is $31,729
- Income tax at the 2026 brackets: $3,559
- Total federal tax: $12,037, or $3,009 per quarter (about 20% of her profit)
Safe harbor: the easy way to avoid penalties
You can skip the estimate and pay based on last year instead. If you pay 100% of last year’s total tax (110% if your AGI was over $150,000) in four equal, on-time installments, the IRS cannot charge an underpayment penalty, even if you owe more when you file. Enter last year’s tax in the calculator to see that amount. Details in our safe harbor rule guide and underpayment penalty guide.
How to pay
Pay each quarter for free with IRS Direct Pay or your IRS Online Account, choosing “1040-ES estimated tax” and the right tax year. Our step-by-step guide shows how to pay estimated taxes online. Check all dates in our freelancer tax deadlines calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay quarterly taxes?
Yes, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year after withholding and credits. Most freelancers with steady income reach that.
My income changes every month. What should I enter?
Enter your best estimate for the full year and recalculate before each due date. You can pay different amounts each quarter as your income changes.
Does this include state taxes?
Only if you enter a state rate. Most states with an income tax have their own estimated payment rules and dates.
Why is my result different from my tax software?
The calculator ignores credits, itemized deductions, other income types and the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax. Use it for planning, then confirm with your return.
This tool provides general estimates, not tax advice. Consult a CPA or Enrolled Agent for your situation.
Related tools
- Self-employment tax calculator
- Mileage deduction calculator
- Home office deduction calculator
- Freelance hourly rate calculator
About this tool
Built by the Freelancer Tax HQ editorial team using official IRS figures for the tax year shown. Last reviewed on . Results are estimates for planning, not tax advice. Read our editorial policy or report an error.
Sources
IRS: Estimated taxes; IRS: 2026 tax inflation adjustments; SSA: Contribution and Benefit Base; IRS: Self-Employment Tax. Example figures are FreelancerTaxHQ illustrations.