Every IRS quarterly estimated tax deadline for 2026 — exact dates, payment instructions, and what happens if you miss one.
Go to irs.gov/payments → "Make a Payment" → "Estimated Tax" → select 2026. Free, instant, no account needed. Save your confirmation number.
Q1: April 15, 2026 · Q2: June 16, 2026 · Q3: September 15, 2026 · Q4: January 15, 2027. Pay through IRS Direct Pay at irs.gov/payments.
The IRS divides the year unevenly. Q1 is January–March (3 months), Q2 is April–May (2 months), Q3 is June–August (3 months), Q4 is September–December (4 months). Adjust each payment for the actual income earned in that period.
The IRS charges an underpayment penalty — currently 8% annual rate on the underpaid amount per quarter. On $3,000 underpaid for one quarter, that is about $60. Missing all four quarters adds up significantly.
Yes. Overpaying quarterly results in a refund when you file. Many workers prefer to overpay slightly rather than risk underpayment penalties.
Pay at least 100% of last year's total tax (110% if income exceeds $150,000) and owe no underpayment penalty — even if this year's income is much higher. Calculate your safe harbor amount with our quarterly calculator.
ClickTaxEasy sends you an email reminder 7 days before every quarterly deadline with your exact payment amount.
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