Calculate your federal and state quarterly estimated tax payments as a freelancer or self-employed individual. Enter your details below for an instant result.
From W-2 Box 2
Used to calculate safe harbor quarterly amount
The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction lets most self-employed individuals deduct 20% of net business income from taxable income. Phases out for higher earners.
IMPORTANT: CA uses a 3-payment schedule — Q1 (30%), Q2 (40%), Q4 (30%). There is NO Q3 state payment due in September.
Quarterly estimated taxes are prepayments of your annual income tax and self-employment (SE) tax. Because freelancers have no employer withholding, the IRS requires them to estimate and pay their tax liability in four installments — typically April, June, September, and January.
Self-employment tax is 15.3% — 12.4% for Social Security (up to the annual wage base) and 2.9% for Medicare — applied to 92.35% of your net self-employment income. You can deduct half of SE tax from your federal AGI, reducing your income tax.
The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction lets eligible self-employed individuals deduct up to 20% of net SE income from taxable income. Most freelancers qualify, though it phases out at higher income levels. This calculator applies it automatically and shows the impact.
To avoid an IRS underpayment penalty, pay the lesser of (a) 90% of your current year tax, or (b) 100% of last year's tax (110% if prior year AGI exceeded $150,000). Paying safe harbor guarantees no penalty even if actual tax is higher.
Federal due dates are standardized. State due dates usually match but there are exceptions: California uses a 3-payment schedule (April 30%, June 40%, January 30%) with no Q3 payment, and Virginia's Q1 is due May 1 instead of April 15. This calculator shows your state's exact schedule.
This tool is for informational and educational reference only and does not constitute tax or financial advice. Tax laws are complex, change annually, and individual circumstances vary. Calculations are estimates based on the inputs you provide and IRS/state tax authority data. Always consult a licensed CPA or tax professional before making tax decisions.