Quarterly Self-Employment Tax 2026
Self-employed must pay 1040-ES quarterly to avoid underpayment penalty. This calculates SE tax + income tax estimate per quarter based on YTD net earnings.
| YTD net SE earnings | — |
| Self-employment tax | — |
| Federal income tax | — |
| State income tax | — |
| Already paid YTD | — |
| Remaining annual tax | — |
Quarterly estimated tax (Form 1040-ES) covers self-employment + income tax on non-withheld income. Underpayment by quarter triggers IRS penalty (interest-rate based, ~7-8% APY currently).
Quarterly Due Dates
April 15 (Q1 Jan-Mar). June 15 (Q2 Apr-May). September 15 (Q3 Jun-Aug). January 15 next year (Q4 Sep-Dec). Annualized income method available for irregular earners on Form 2210.
Safe Harbor Rules
Pay 100% of prior year total tax (110% if AGI > $150K) OR 90% of current year — whichever lower. Meet either and avoid underpayment penalty regardless of actual liability.
Annualized Income Method
For lumpy earners (commission, seasonal), calculate quarterly based on cumulative income through that quarter. Form 2210 Schedule AI. Avoids penalty when earnings concentrate late in year.
SE Tax Component
15.3% on first $168,600 (2024 SS cap, indexed) + 2.9% Medicare above. Half deductible above-the-line as adjustment. Effectively 14.13% after deduction at top bracket.
Last updated May 2026. Sources: IRS Form 1040-ES, IRS Pub 505.