What you need to know about Quarterly Taxes

By understanding quarterly tax requirements and deadlines, you can ensure compliance with IRS regulations and avoid potential penalties. If you're unsure about your specific situation, it's always wise to consult with a tax professional.

Stephany Pruitt

2/1/20251 min read

black ceramic mug beside white printer paper
black ceramic mug beside white printer paper
Who Needs to Pay Quarterly Taxes and When Are They Due to the IRS?

Quarterly tax payments are a crucial aspect of the U.S. tax system, particularly for those who don't have taxes regularly withheld from their income. Here's what you need to know about who should pay quarterly taxes and when they're due:

Who Needs to Pay Quarterly Taxes?

  1. Self-employed individuals: Freelancers, independent contractors, and small business owners who expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the current year17.

  2. 1099 workers: Those who receive 1099 forms instead of W-2s1.

  3. Businesses: Corporations that expect to owe at least $500 for the tax year1.

  4. Some investors: People with significant investment income or capital gains3.

  5. Landlords: Those with rental income that isn't subject to withholding1.

  6. Individuals with insufficient withholding: If your withholding and refundable credits will cover less than 90% of your tax liability for this year, or 100% of your liability last year (110% for higher earners)1.

When Are Quarterly Taxes Due?

For the 2025 tax year, the estimated tax payment due dates are46:

  1. First Quarter (Jan. 1 - March 31, 2025): April 15, 2025

  2. Second Quarter (April 1 - May 31, 2025): June 17, 2025

  3. Third Quarter (June 1 - Aug. 31, 2025): Sept. 16, 2025

  4. Fourth Quarter (Sept. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025): Jan. 15, 2026

Note that the fourth quarter payment for the 2024 tax year is due on January 15, 202514.

Important Considerations

  • If a due date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the payment is due on the next business day6.

  • You can pay all estimated taxes by September 15 or in two installments by September 16, 2025, and January 20264.

  • Failure to pay enough tax through withholding and estimated tax payments may result in penalties1.

By understanding these requirements and deadlines, you can ensure compliance with IRS regulations and avoid potential penalties. If you're unsure about your specific situation, it's always wise to consult with a tax professional.