2026 Estimated Tax Calculator
For self-employed and small business owners
Estimate Your 2026 Federal Tax
Enter your expected 2026 numbers below for a quick estimate of your federal income tax, self-employment tax and quarterly payments. No names or personal details needed.
Your 2026 Numbers
Your Estimate
How Quarterly Estimated Taxes Work
When you are self-employed, no one withholds tax from your income, so the IRS expects you to pay as you go through quarterly estimated payments. For 2026, the payments are due April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.
You can generally avoid an underpayment penalty by paying at least 90% of your 2026 tax, or 100% of your 2025 tax (110% if your 2025 AGI was over $150,000). Texas has no state income tax, so for most of our clients this is the whole picture.
Read our guide to quarterly estimated tax payments, see every key date on our Resources page, or let our tax team work it out for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
It uses the official 2026 IRS tax brackets, standard deductions and the $184,500 Social Security wage base, so it gives a solid starting estimate. It does not include itemized deductions, credits, or the newer deductions for tips, overtime, seniors and car loan interest, so your actual tax may be lower. For an exact number, schedule a consultation.
The qualified business income deduction lets many owners of sole proprietorships, partnerships and S corporations deduct up to 20% of their business income. The calculator applies a simplified version below the 2026 income threshold ($201,750, or $403,500 if married filing jointly). Above that, limits apply depending on your business type and wages paid.
It is Social Security and Medicare tax for people who work for themselves: 15.3% on 92.35% of your net earnings, with the Social Security part stopping at $184,500 for 2026. You can deduct half of it when figuring your income tax, and the calculator does this for you.
The IRS may charge an underpayment penalty, which works like interest on the amount paid late. Pay as soon as you can and adjust your remaining payments. We can help you catch up and plan the rest of the year.
You can pay online through IRS Direct Pay, your IRS Online Account or EFTPS. Links to each are on our Resources page.
Sometimes. An S corporation can reduce self-employment tax once profit is high enough to cover a reasonable salary and the extra costs. It depends on your numbers, so it is worth talking through before you switch.
Want an Exact Number?
We will review your numbers, apply every deduction you qualify for and set up a quarterly payment plan that fits your cash flow. Prefer to start small? Join The A-List for monthly tax tips and key dates.