Calculator / Due dates
Estimated tax due dates for 2026
Four payments, but not four equal quarters. Here is what each one covers and how to send it.
| Payment | Income earned | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 to Mar 31 | Wed, Apr 15, 2026 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 to May 31 | Mon, Jun 15, 2026 |
| Q3 | Jun 1 to Aug 31 | Tue, Sep 15, 2026 |
| Q4 | Sep 1 to Dec 31 | Fri, Jan 15, 2027 |
These are the dates for people who use the calendar year. If a date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, payment is due the next business day. You can skip the January payment if you file your return and pay the full balance by January 31, 2027.
How to pay
- IRS Direct Pay from a bank account, free, no account needed.
- EFTPS, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. You enroll once and can schedule payments ahead.
- Debit or credit card through an IRS-approved processor, which charges a fee.
- By mail with a Form 1040-ES voucher.
Choose "Estimated Tax" and the tax year when you pay, or the IRS may apply the money to the wrong year. Keep the confirmation number.
Do you have to pay at all?
Generally yes if you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year after withholding and credits. Farmers and fishers who earn most of their income from farming or fishing follow a different rule. Run the calculator to see where you stand.
Dates checked on October 11, 2026. Confirm on irs.gov before paying.