What are the 2026 estimated tax payment due dates?

For the 2026 tax year (income earned in 2026), quarterly estimated tax payments are due: April 15, 2026 (Q1 — January through March income), June 16, 2026 (Q2 — April and May income), September 15, 2026 (Q3 — June through August income), and January 15, 2027 (Q4 — September through December income). For the 2025 tax year being filed in 2026, the final estimated payment was due January 15, 2026.

Do you have to pay estimated taxes if you also have a W-2 job?

Not necessarily. If you have a W-2 job with significant withholding plus side income from freelancing, investments, or rental property, you may be able to increase your W-4 withholding at your employer to cover both your salary taxes and your side income taxes — eliminating the need for separate quarterly estimated payments. The key is that your total payments during the year meet one of the safe harbor thresholds: 90% of current year tax or 100% (or 110% for higher earners) of prior year tax.

What happens if I miss a quarterly estimated tax payment?

Missing a quarterly payment triggers the underpayment penalty for that specific quarter. The penalty is calculated on the shortfall for the quarter at the current IRS interest rate (7% in Q1 2026). The penalty is generally not eligible for First-Time Penalty Abatement. If you miss a quarterly payment, pay as much as possible as soon as possible — the penalty continues to grow on any underpaid amount until the tax year's return is filed and the balance is reconciled.

What is the estimated tax penalty?