US contractor planning tool

Quarterly tax planner

Turn your own estimated annual federal, self-employment and state tax into a simple payment reserve plan.

Expected federal income taxExpected self-employment taxExpected state and local income taxFederal/state tax already withheld

You choose the annual tax estimates. A tax professional or tax-preparation software can help produce them.

Suggested quarterly reserve

$5,875.00

$23,500.00 remaining for the year, or $1,958.33 a month

Estimated annual taxes: $23,500.00
Already withheld: −$0.00
Still to reserve: $23,500.00

This is a cash-flow planner, not a tax safe-harbor calculation. Actual due dates, required payments, penalties and state rules depend on your circumstances. Check IRS payment guidance and your state tax agency before paying.

Using quarterly estimated-tax payments

Self-employed people generally need to pay tax as they earn it. This planner is deliberately simple: add the annual tax figures you expect, subtract withholding already happening elsewhere, and set aside the remainder evenly. It does not tell you the minimum legally required payment.

See IRS Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax for federal payment rules and due dates.