Tax Integrity LLC

Self-employed or side-hustling this year?

If you expect to owe tax, the IRS generally uses quarterly estimated payments to keep you on track throughout the year. This often applies to freelancers, contractors, small business owners, and anyone with income not covered by withholding.

A practical way to plan is to set aside a percentage of each payment you receive into a separate “tax” savings account. Many people start with a conservative cushion, then adjust once they see their year-to-date profit.

You can also review your prior-year tax return (or your current-year profit so far) to estimate what to pay each quarter. Keeping it consistent can make tax time feel much more predictable.

Practical takeaway: Pick one method today—(1) save a set % from each deposit or (2) make a monthly transfer—so quarterly payments don’t become a last-minute scramble.

Self-employed or have income without withholding?

Estimated taxes are quarterly payments toward your federal income tax and self-employment tax when taxes aren’t being withheld from a paycheck. Common examples: freelancing, 1099 work, gig income, rental income, dividends, or a side business.

A practical way to plan is to set aside a consistent percentage of each payment into a separate “tax” account and review your numbers each quarter. Your totals can change with income swings, new deductions, or life events, so a quick quarterly check keeps your plan realistic.

Practical takeaway: Each quarter, confirm (1) year-to-date income, (2) deductible expenses recorded, (3) last payment made, and (4) your next payment amount and due date. Document it in one place so it’s easy to repeat.

Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments – Reminder

If you are making quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS, the due date for the April 1–May 31, 2026, payment period is coming up next Monday, June 15, 2026.

If you use IRS Direct Pay, payments can generally be made until 11:45 p.m. ET on the due date. If you pay by credit or debit card through an IRS-authorized payment processor, payments can generally be made until 11:59 p.m. ET on the due date.

Self-employed or have income without withholding?

Estimated tax payments are a pay-as-you-go system for federal income tax (and often self-employment tax) when taxes aren’t being withheld from your paycheck. Common situations include freelance/1099 work, side gigs, rental income, or investment income.

Many people use a simple approach: estimate your annual income, subtract expected deductions/credits, and pay in four installments. Keeping a separate “tax” savings bucket can make payments easier to manage.

Practical takeaway: Review your year-to-date profit/income monthly and set aside a consistent percentage. If income changes, adjust your next estimated payment instead of waiting until year-end.