Quarterly Tax Estimate Calculator
Estimate your federal, state, and self-employment taxes by entity type. Get quarterly payment amounts and due dates instantly.
Estimate Your Tax Obligations
How It Works
Enter Business Details
Select your entity type, state, filing status, and enter your revenue and expense estimates.
See Your Tax Estimate
Get a breakdown of federal income tax, self-employment tax, and state income tax with your effective rate.
Plan Quarterly Payments
View your quarterly estimated payment schedule with exact due dates so you never miss a deadline.
Example: Sole Proprietor in California
A freelance consultant operating as a sole proprietor in California wants to estimate quarterly tax payments for the year.
Input Details
Estimated Results
With an effective rate of ~46%, this consultant should set aside nearly half their net income for taxes. Use the profitability calculator to understand take-home after taxes and expenses.
Who Should Use This
Freelancers & Sole Proprietors
Know exactly how much to set aside for quarterly estimated payments and avoid IRS penalties.
Small Business Owners
Compare tax obligations across entity types (LLC vs S-Corp vs C-Corp) to find the most tax-efficient structure.
Multi-Entity Operators
Estimate combined tax obligations across multiple businesses to plan cash flow effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are quarterly estimated taxes calculated?
Quarterly estimated taxes are calculated by estimating your total annual tax liability (federal income tax + self-employment tax + state income tax) and dividing by four. The IRS requires payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes. Use the profitability calculator alongside this tool to understand your after-tax margins.
When are quarterly estimated tax payments due?
Federal quarterly estimated tax payments are due on April 15 (Q1), June 15 (Q2), September 15 (Q3), and January 15 of the following year (Q4). If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. Missing payments can result in underpayment penalties.
What is self-employment tax and who pays it?
Self-employment tax covers Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%) for a combined 15.3% on the first $168,600 of net earnings, plus 2.9% Medicare on amounts above that. Sole proprietors and single-member LLC owners pay this tax. S-Corp owners can reduce SE tax by paying themselves a reasonable salary. Track your expenses with a burn rate calculator to maximize deductions.
How does entity type affect tax obligations?
Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs pay self-employment tax on all net earnings plus personal income tax. S-Corps allow owners to split income between salary (subject to payroll tax) and distributions (not subject to SE tax). C-Corps pay a flat 21% corporate tax, but distributions to shareholders are taxed again as dividends (double taxation). Check our startup budget guide for planning around entity structure.
Which states have no income tax?
Nine states have no individual income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. However, some of these states have other taxes (like Washington's business and occupation tax). Operating in a no-income-tax state can significantly reduce your total tax burden. Review the financial due diligence checklist when evaluating state tax implications.
How accurate is this tax estimate?
This calculator provides a simplified estimate using 2026 federal tax brackets and top-bracket state rates. It does not account for deductions beyond business expenses (standard deduction, itemized deductions, QBI deduction), tax credits, AMT, or complex multi-state situations. Always consult a qualified tax professional for accurate tax planning. Use the cash flow forecast calculator to plan around your estimated tax payments.
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