If you're self-employed, a freelancer, or running a small business, chances are you need to pay estimated quarterly taxes. These payments help you stay on track with your tax obligations and avoid underpayment penalties when tax season rolls around.

Let’s break down when they're due, how much you should pay, and how to stay organized.

2025 Quarterly Tax Deadlines

The IRS breaks the year into four payment periods. Here are the due dates for 2025:

Q1 (Jan 1 – Mar 31) → Due April 15, 2025
Q2 (Apr 1 – May 31) → Due June 17, 2025
Q3 (Jun 1 – Aug 31) → Due September 16, 2025
Q4 (Sep 1 – Dec 31) → Due January 15, 2026

Note: These are estimated payments based on what you expect to earn. If your income changes throughout the year, you can adjust your next payment.

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Who Needs to Pay Quarterly Taxes?

You’re generally required to pay quarterly taxes if you:

Are self-employed or run a small business (no employer withholding taxes for you)
Expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes for the year
Have income from freelance work, side hustles, or online business

How Much Should You Pay?

The IRS wants you to pay either:

90% of this year’s tax bill, or
100% of last year’s tax bill (110% if you made over $150,000)

If you’re unsure how to calculate it, a tax professional can help run the numbers—or you can use IRS Form 1040-ES.

Where to Pay Your Quarterly Taxes

You can pay securely online through the IRS website:

Make a Payment at IRS.gov

You can pay directly from your bank account (free), by debit/credit card (fees apply), or set up a payment plan if needed.

Pro Tips to Stay on Track

Use a separate savings account to stash your tax money as you earn it
Log expenses monthly to get a clear picture of your real profit
Use tax software or hire a pro to help calculate and submit your payments
Set calendar reminders or automatic bank transfers to avoid missing a deadline