The four federal due dates, the safe harbor rule in plain words, and a place to write down your own numbers. Print it, or keep it on your phone.
| Payment | Covers earnings from | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| 1st payment | Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 | April 15, 2026 |
| 2nd payment | Apr 1 – May 31, 2026 | June 15, 2026 |
| 3rd payment | Jun 1 – Aug 31, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
| 4th payment | Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2026 | January 15, 2027 |
Source: IRS, "Estimated tax," irs.gov/faqs/estimated-tax (opened 2026-09-25; page last reviewed 2026-09-25). A due date that falls on a weekend or legal holiday moves to the next business day. You can skip the January 15, 2027 payment if you file your full 2026 return and pay what's owed by February 1, 2027.
Most people also clear the penalty automatically if they owe less than $1,000 after subtracting withholding and credits. This is designed as a guide, not tax advice for your specific return; a qualified preparer can tell you which safe harbor number fits your situation.
Source: IRS, "Estimated tax – Individuals," irs.gov/faqs/estimated-tax/individuals/individuals (opened 2026-09-25; page last reviewed 2026-09-23).
| Payment | Amount I'm setting aside | Paid on |
|---|---|---|
| 1st – Apr 15 | $__________ | ____ / ____ |
| 2nd – Jun 15 | $__________ | ____ / ____ |
| 3rd – Sep 15 | $__________ | ____ / ____ |
| 4th – Jan 15 | $__________ | ____ / ____ |
| Total for the year | $__________ |
Not sure where to start on the amount? Our Self-Employed Tax Worksheet walks the Schedule SE math line by line and gives you a number to write in above. Our Quarterly Tax Calculator turns that number into a per-payment amount.
This planner is designed to help you track federal due dates and set money aside; it is not personalized tax advice. State estimated tax rules and due dates can differ from the federal schedule above. Figures reflect IRS guidance as opened on the dates cited; always confirm against irs.gov before filing.
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