Taxes
Quarterly estimated taxes: four dates that decide your cash flow
If you are self-employed with no employer withholding, the tax system assumes you pay as you earn — in four quarterly installments. Missing the dates brings penalties; missing the funding brings the panic. The tax bucket on a calendar solves both.
- Four due dates
Mid-April, June, September and January — on the calendar, always.
- Safe-harbor math
Pay 100% of last year's tax (or 90% of this year's) and avoid penalties.
- The tax bucket
A percentage of each payment to tax, untouched until the date.
- Quarterly reminders
The bucket funds monthly; the reminders arrive quarterly.
The four dates
| Installment | Due (US) | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | April 15 | Jan–Mar |
| Q2 | June 15 | Apr–May |
| Q3 | September 15 | Jun–Aug |
| Q4 | January 15 | Sep–Dec |
The funding system
- Estimate the year's tax from last year plus expected change.
- Divide by 12 — that is the monthly tax bucket deposit.
- Keep the bucket in a separate goal, funded on every income date.
- Two weeks before each due date, verify the bucket covers the installment.
The safe harbor
Pay at least 100% of last year's tax liability (110% above certain income thresholds) and the penalty is waived even if this year's bill is larger.
The calendar's job: the four dates marked a year ahead, the bucket funded monthly, and the two-week pre-flight check before each one.
Frequently asked questions
Who has to pay quarterly estimated taxes?
Self-employed people and others without sufficient withholding — freelancers, contractors, side-hustlers and some investors.
When are quarterly taxes due?
Generally April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15 in the US. Mark all four on a calendar the day you become self-employed.
How do I avoid the penalty?
The safe harbor: pay 100% of last year's liability (or 90% of this year's) through the installments and the penalty is waived.
How much should I set aside for taxes?
20–30% of net income depending on jurisdiction and structure — funded into a separate bucket on every income date, never touched until filing.
Four dates, funded monthly
Free dated tax buckets and reminders.