Taxes · Deadlines · 6 min read
Quarterly estimated taxes: the January 15 payment.
Short answer: if you drive, deliver or freelance and expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal tax, pay the IRS four times a year. The next payment is due January 15, 2027 and covers what you earned September through December 2026.
Updated October 15, 2026
01
When quarterly estimated tax payments are due
- January 15, 2027: September–December 2026 earnings
- April 15, 2027: January–March 2027 earnings
- June 15, 2027: April–May 2027 earnings
- September 15, 2027: June–August 2027 earnings
02
Do I have to make quarterly payments?
You need to if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax for the year after any paycheck withholding. Most full-time gig workers do. If you also have a W-2 job, raising the withholding on that paycheck can cover your gig tax instead.
03
How to estimate what to pay
Two simple ways:
- Percentage method: set aside 25–30% of profit (earnings minus mileage and costs), plus your state's rate. Pay what you set aside for that period.
- Safe-harbor method: divide last year's total federal tax by 4 and pay that each quarter (110% of last year if your income was over $150,000). This avoids the underpayment penalty even if you end up owing more in April.
Want your own number? Use the free set-aside calculator or a platform one like the DoorDash tax calculator.
04
How to make a quarterly estimated tax payment
- Go to IRS Direct Pay (irs.gov/payments). It's free and comes straight from your bank.
- Choose "Estimated Tax" as the reason and Form 1040-ES, and pick the right tax year (2026 for the January 15, 2027 payment).
- Save the confirmation number. You'll enter the total paid on your tax return.
- Check your state's tax department website for a separate state payment if your state has income tax.
05
What happens if you miss a payment
The IRS adds an underpayment penalty, which works like interest on the amount that was late, for each day it was late. It isn't a fine for being late to file. Paying as soon as you can keeps it small, and a late payment is better than none.
06
FAQ
Do I file a tax return every quarter?
No. Quarterly payments are only payments. You file one return for the year (Form 1040 with Schedule C and Schedule SE).
I started driving in the fall. Do I owe the January 15 payment?
Probably yes, if your profit since then puts you at $1,000 or more in federal tax for the year. Pay on what you earned September through December.
Can I skip January 15 if I file my return by January 31?
Yes. If you file your full 2026 return and pay everything you owe by January 31, 2027, you don't need the January 15 payment.
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