When you work for yourself, nobody withholds taxes from your income. The IRS expects you to pay during the year, in four payments called estimated taxes. If you wait until April, you may owe a penalty on top of the tax.
Who needs to pay
Generally, you should make estimated payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file, after withholding and credits. That includes most self-employed people, gig workers, LLC owners and people with rental income.
Due dates for the 2026 tax year
| Income earned | Payment due |
|---|---|
| January 1 – March 31, 2026 | April 15, 2026 |
| April 1 – May 31, 2026 | June 15, 2026 |
| June 1 – August 31, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
| September 1 – December 31, 2026 | January 15, 2027 |
How much to pay: the safe harbor rules
You generally avoid the underpayment penalty if your payments during the year add up to at least:
- 90% of the tax you owe for the current year, or
- 100% of the tax on last year's return (110% if your adjusted gross income was over $150,000)
Paying based on last year is the easiest method when your income is stable.
Do not forget self-employment tax
Your estimate must include income tax and self-employment tax (about 15.3% on most of your net profit). A common rule of thumb is to set aside 25% to 30% of your profit, but your number depends on your income and family.
How to pay
- IRS Direct Pay from your bank account (free)
- Your IRS Online Account
- EFTPS for businesses
- Debit or credit card through an IRS-approved processor (fees apply)
Nevada has no state income tax, so there are no state estimated payments for individuals.