Quarterly Tax Calculator – Self-Employment Estimated Tax

Calculate quarterly estimated tax payments for freelancers and self-employed individuals.

About This Calculator

Calculate quarterly estimated tax payments for freelancers and self-employed individuals. Use the calculator above for instant results.

Worked Examples

Example 1: $80K self-employed, single

  • SE tax: $11,303 | Income tax: ~$9,288
  • Total: ~$20,591 | Quarterly: ~$5,148

Answer: ~$5,148/quarter

Example 2: $50K self-employed, married

  • SE tax: $7,064 | Income tax: ~$3,200
  • Quarterly: ~$2,566

Answer: ~$2,566/quarter

Example 3: $120K self-employed, single

  • Quarterly: ~$9,500

Answer: ~$9,500/quarter

Who Uses This Calculator?

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Freelancers

Calculate IRS quarterly tax payments.

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Self-Employed

Avoid underpayment penalties.

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Consultants

Plan cash flow for tax obligations.

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Tax Preparers

Estimate quarterly payments for clients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Missing quarterly deadlines

Q1 due April 15, Q2 June 15, Q3 September 15, Q4 January 15. Missing deadlines triggers underpayment penalty (typically 3-4% annually).

❌ Paying on gross income

Pay estimated tax on NET self-employment income after business expenses, not gross revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quarterly tax due dates?

April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15 of following year.

Safe harbor rule?

Pay at least 100% of prior year tax (110% if income over $150K) to avoid underpayment penalty.

What is SE tax?

Self-employment tax: 15.3% (Social Security 12.4% + Medicare 2.9%) on 92.35% of net income. You deduct half on your return.