2026 Quarterly Estimated Tax Calculator

Find penalty-proof quarterly payments using the IRS safe-harbor rule. Built for self-employed and small-business owners — instant estimate, no signup.

Your numbers

$
Your total tax, not your refund or balance due.
$
Determines the 100% vs. 110% safe-harbor rate.
$
W-2 withholding counts toward your requirement.

Pay each quarter to stay penalty-free

$0

Q1 · due Apr 15, 2026
$0
Q2 · due Jun 15, 2026
$0
Q3 · due Sep 15, 2026
$0
Q4 · due Jan 15, 2027
$0

Estimate only — for planning, not tax advice. Based on the federal safe-harbor rule (100% of last year's tax, or 110% if prior-year AGI exceeded $150,000). Texas has no state income tax. Confirm your figures with Ledger Tree before paying.

Not sure what to pay — or behind on a quarter?

We calculate your estimates, set reminders, and keep you penalty-free all year. If you've already missed a payment, we can help minimize the damage.

Schedule a free consultation Call (214) 807-2440

How quarterly estimated taxes work

If you're self-employed or own a pass-through business, taxes aren't withheld from your income, so the IRS expects you to pay as you go in four installments. Underpay and you can owe an underpayment penalty — even if you pay in full by April.

The easiest way to stay safe is the safe-harbor rule: pay at least 100% of last year's total tax (110% if your prior-year AGI was over $150,000), split into four equal payments. Hit that and you won't owe a penalty, no matter how much your income grows this year. This calculator does that math and lines it up against the 2026 due dates.

Frequently asked questions

You generally avoid an IRS underpayment penalty if your withholding plus estimated payments equal at least 100% of last year's tax (110% if your prior-year AGI was over $150,000), or 90% of the current year's tax. Paying the safe-harbor amount in four equal installments is the simplest way to stay penalty-free.

For the 2026 tax year, federal estimated payments are due April 15, 2026 (Q1), June 15, 2026 (Q2), September 15, 2026 (Q3), and January 15, 2027 (Q4). If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day.

Texas has no personal state income tax, so individuals and pass-through owners do not make Texas state income estimated payments. You may still owe federal estimated taxes, and certain businesses owe Texas franchise tax separately.

Related: 2026 Estimated Tax Payments Guide · S-Corp Tax Savings Calculator · Tax Filing & Advisory