Tax · 6 min read
Quarterly Taxes for Freelancers
Freelancer income rarely lands in even quarters. Here's how to size and time estimated payments so the IRS stays off your back without overpaying.
Who has to pay quarterly
If you'll owe $1,000 or more in tax for the year after withholding and credits, the IRS expects four estimated payments. That's almost every full-time freelancer and most serious side-hustlers.
The four due dates
- Q1 — April 15
- Q2 — June 15
- Q3 — September 15
- Q4 — January 15 of the following year
Two safe-harbor methods
- 100% of last year's total tax (110% if AGI > $150K)
- 90% of this year's projected tax
