Quarterly estimated tax due dates
If you work for yourself, the IRS expects your federal tax in four payments across the year. Here is when each one is due, which months of income it covers, and how long you have until the next. No signup needed.
Next federal payment
Due in 114 days
4th payment for the 2026 tax year, covering income from Sep 1 to Dec 31, 2026.
2026 tax year
| Payment | Covers income from | Due |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Jan 1 to Mar 31 | Passed |
| 2nd | Apr 1 to May 31 | Passed |
| 3rd | Jun 1 to Aug 31 | Passed |
| 4th | Sep 1 to Dec 31 | Next |
You can skip the January payment if you file your 2026 return by February 1, 2027 and pay everything you owe with it.
2027 tax year (projected)
| Payment | Covers income from | Due |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Jan 1 to Mar 31 | |
| 2nd | Apr 1 to May 31 | |
| 3rd | Jun 1 to Aug 31 | |
| 4th | Sep 1 to Dec 31 |
These 2027 dates follow the IRS weekend and holiday rule. We will confirm them when the IRS publishes the 2027 schedule.
You can skip the January payment if you file your 2027 return by January 31, 2028 and pay everything you owe with it.
When a due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, a payment made on the next business day is on time. The dates above already include that shift.
Safe harbor: you generally avoid an underpayment penalty if your withholding and on-time payments cover at least 90% of this year's tax or 100% of last year's, whichever is smaller (110% of last year's if your adjusted gross income was over $150,000, or $75,000 if married filing separately).
Further reading: Quarterly estimated taxes: how much to set aside, and when.
Know your deductions before each payment is due
Whittle tags every expense with its tax year, so your deduction totals for the year are a report away, not something you rebuild the night before a payment.
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