Quarterly estimated taxes in 2026: dates, amounts, and the safe harbor

The 2026 calendar

Deadlines shift to the next business day when they land on a weekend or holiday; these 2026 dates fall on business days (IRS Publication 505).

Who has to pay

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year beyond any withholding, the IRS expects you to pay as you earn. For a full-time creator that is nearly always yes; for a side income it depends on the numbers, which is exactly what the calculator estimates.

Two honest ways to size the payments

Method one: current-year estimate. Estimate the year's tax and pay a quarter each deadline. A single filer netting $60,000 in 2026 has an estimated federal total of $12,037, about $3,009 per quarter.

Method two: the prior-year safe harbor. Pay 100% of last year's total tax in four equal installments (110% if prior-year AGI exceeded $150,000) and you avoid the underpayment penalty even if this year ends up bigger. Sero's engine models both and recommends the smaller lawful target.

How to actually pay

IRS Direct Pay (bank transfer, no account needed) or EFTPS(enrollment, recurring payments). Select “Estimated tax” and the 2026 tax year, and keep the confirmation numbers with your records.