Quarterly Estimated Tax Due Dates for 2026 and 2027
Federal estimated tax payments for freelancers, 1099 contractors and gig workers. Add them to your calendar so you don’t miss one.
Tax year 2026
| Payment | For income earned | Due date | |
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 | Wed, April 15, 2026 NextPassed | Google Calendar |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31, 2026 | Mon, June 15, 2026 NextPassed | Google Calendar |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31, 2026 | Tue, September 15, 2026 NextPassed | Google Calendar |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2026 | Fri, January 15, 2027 NextPassed | Google Calendar |
Tax year 2027
| Payment | For income earned | Due date | |
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2027 | Thu, April 15, 2027 NextPassed | Google Calendar |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31, 2027 | Tue, June 15, 2027 NextPassed | Google Calendar |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31, 2027 | Wed, September 15, 2027 NextPassed | Google Calendar |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2027 | Tue, January 18, 2028 NextPassed | Google Calendar |
Your 2026 tax return and any balance due are due Thursday, April 15, 2027, the same day as the first 2027 estimated payment.
How this is calculated
Dates come from the IRS Form 1040-ES instructions. When a due date lands on a weekend or federal holiday, it moves to the next business day, and we’ve applied those shifts above.
Figures for tax year 2026. Full method and sources on our methodology page.
Common questions
What happens if a due date falls on a weekend or holiday?
The deadline moves to the next business day. For example, January 15, 2028 is a Saturday and January 17 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so the Q4 2027 payment is due Tuesday, January 18, 2028.
Why are the quarters uneven?
The IRS “quarters” aren’t equal: Q1 covers three months, Q2 two months, Q3 three months and Q4 four months. That’s why the second payment comes only two months after the first.
Can I skip the January payment?
Yes, if you file your 2026 return and pay the full balance by the end of January 2027. Most people find it easier to make the January payment.
Do states have the same due dates?
Most states with an income tax use the same or similar dates, but some differ. Check your state tax agency’s website.
Last updated September 28, 2026. This calculator gives an estimate for federal taxes only and isn’t tax advice. State and local taxes aren’t included.