Do I have to pay quarterly if I also have a W-2 job?

Not necessarily. You can increase withholding on the W-2 job to cover the tax on your 1099 income instead of making estimated payments.

What if I miss a quarter?

Pay as soon as you can. The penalty is calculated like interest on the amount that was late, so paying early stops it growing.

Do state estimated payments work the same way?

Most states with income tax want quarterly payments too, often on the same dates. Check your state's take-home page for the state rate to add.

Quarterly estimated tax for 1099 contractors (2026)

As a 1099 contractor nobody withholds tax for you. The IRS expects four payments a year. Here's how to size them and when they're due.

The four 2026 due dates

Q1 (Jan–Mar)15 April 2026
Q2 (Apr–May)15 June 2026
Q3 (Jun–Aug)15 September 2026
Q4 (Sep–Dec)15 January 2027

If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.

How much to send each quarter

Start from your expected net profit for the year (gross income minus business expenses). Estimate your total federal income tax plus self-employment tax on that profit, then divide by four. The calculator on this site does both halves of that math for you and shows a per-quarter figure.

Income arriving unevenly? You can pay based on what you actually earned each quarter (annualised method) instead of paying equal instalments.

Safe harbour: how to avoid a penalty

You generally avoid an underpayment penalty if you pay at least 90% of this year's tax, or 100% of last year's total tax (110% if your prior-year AGI was over $150,000) — whichever is smaller. Paying last year's number in four equal instalments is the simplest safe route when your income is growing.

How to pay

Pay online through IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS, or by card. Keep the confirmation: it's your proof of the payment date, which is what the penalty calculation looks at.

FAQ

Do I have to pay quarterly if I also have a W-2 job?: Not necessarily. You can increase withholding on the W-2 job to cover the tax on your 1099 income instead of making estimated payments.
What if I miss a quarter?: Pay as soon as you can. The penalty is calculated like interest on the amount that was late, so paying early stops it growing.
Do state estimated payments work the same way?: Most states with income tax want quarterly payments too, often on the same dates. Check your state's take-home page for the state rate to add.

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Estimates and general information only — not tax advice. Rules change; check with a qualified accountant before acting.