09/14/2026
Estimated taxes aren’t just for the self-employed
Typically, people who are self-employed pay their federal income tax by making estimated tax payments. However, they aren’t the only ones that may need to pay estimated tax. Federal income tax is a pay-as-you-go tax. Which means the tax must be paid as income is earned or received during the year. The two ways federal taxes are paid are either through withholding or estimated tax.
Taxpayers who receive income from sources not subject to withholding or don’t have enough withheld, may have to make estimated tax payments. The next estimated tax payment due date is Sept. 15. Let’s take a closer look at who may have to pay estimated tax to ensure they are meeting their tax obligations.
Who may pay estimated tax
Self-employed individuals typically pay their tax this way. Even if a taxpayer isn’t self-employed, they still may have to pay estimated tax if they receive income from sources such as:
Interest
Dividends
Alimony
Capital gains
Royalties
Rents
Prizes and awards
Generally, individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders, must make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more when their return is filed. Estimated tax is used to pay not only income tax but other taxes such as self-employment tax and alternative minimum tax.
Ways to pay
Taxpayers can pay online, use Form 1040-ES and pay by mail, or by phone. Additionally, individuals can pay through their IRS Individual Online Account, where they can also see their payment history and other tax records.
Businesses can now make most common business tax payments, including estimated taxes and federal tax deposits, through their Business Tax Account or Direct Pay for businesses.
