Ledger & Line

2026 quarterly estimated tax calculator

Estimate federal tax for self-employment and plan four equal payments.

This estimate ignores the QBI deduction and tax credits, so it may run high. It uses the standard deduction and does not include state tax. It is not tax advice.

Enter your own wages for the Social Security limit. Joint returns with two earners may need a separate calculation for each spouse. Other taxable income excludes the wages and profit entered above.

2026 payment due dates

Safe harbor uses the smaller of 90% of estimated 2026 tax or 100% of prior-year tax (110% with high prior-year AGI). Prior-year safe harbor generally requires a full 12-month prior-year return. Equal payments assume income is earned evenly. Withholding entered here is subtracted from the annual requirement. Update it as the year progresses. Prior estimated payments are not subtracted.

Explore the Quarterly Estimated Tax Planner 2026