Free tool
Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator 2026
For self-employed people, gig workers and owner-operators. Use the safe harbor if you have last year’s return; use the estimate if your income has changed a lot.
Paying at least this much on time generally avoids the underpayment penalty, even if you owe more when you file.
Texas has no state income tax, so there are no state estimated payments for individuals. These are federal payments only.
Get an exact plan. We’ll build your 2026 estimate from your actual numbers in the 2026 Tax Planning Consultation (1 hour, $195).
Book a consultation713-678-86272026 due dates
- Payment 1April 15, 2026
- Payment 2June 15, 2026
- Payment 3September 15, 2026
- Payment 4January 15, 2027
See every 2026–2027 deadline →
Questions
Who has to pay estimated tax?
Generally, you must pay estimated tax for 2026 if you expect to owe at least $1,000 after withholding and refundable credits, and your withholding and credits will be less than the smaller of 90% of your 2026 tax or 100% of your 2025 tax (110% if your 2025 AGI was over $150,000, or $75,000 if married filing separately). Source: 2026 Form 1040-ES.
What is the safe harbor?
If your withholding plus on-time estimated payments equal at least 100% of last year’s total tax (110% if last year’s AGI was over $150,000, or $75,000 if married filing separately), you generally won’t owe an underpayment penalty, even if this year’s tax is higher. Your 2025 return must cover all 12 months.
When are the 2026 payments due?
April 15, 2026; June 15, 2026; September 15, 2026; and January 15, 2027. You don’t have to make the January payment if you file your 2026 return by February 1, 2027 and pay the whole balance.
Does Texas require estimated income tax payments?
No. Texas has no state personal income tax, so individuals only make federal estimated payments.