When are Q3 estimated taxes due for self-employed individuals?
Self-employed business owners must make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes for the year. These estimated tax payments are made to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each quarter based on anticipated earnings.
To figure out how much to pay, calculate your taxable income, taking into account your adjusted gross income (AGI), deductions, and credits for the year. If you’re unsure how much to pay, you can use IRS Form 1040-ES or the IRS tax withholding calculator for guidance.
You should have already paid estimated taxes for both the first and second quarters. Q3 estimated taxes are due on September 15. The fourth and final quarterly payment is due January 15 of the following year.
If you know you’ll owe estimated taxes, it’s a good idea to add payment due dates and reminder alerts to your calendar each quarter.
How do I pay my Q3 quarterly taxes?
You can pay Q3 estimated taxes online or by mail. The easiest options include:
- IRS Direct Pay - Pay directly from your checking or savings account.
- Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) - Ideal for recurring or scheduled payments.
- Credit or debit card payments - Available through IRS-approved payment processors.
If you prefer traditional methods, you can also mail a check or money order with your estimated payment voucher.
You may choose to pay weekly, biweekly, or monthly depending on your business’s cash flow. As long as the required amount is paid by the end of the quarter, the IRS allows flexibility in how often you make payments.
What happens if I miss my Q3 tax payment?
If you don’t pay—or underpay—your quarterly taxes, you may face a penalty.
Generally, you won’t have to pay a penalty if you owe less than $1,000 in total tax for the year or if you have already paid the lesser of:
- 90% of the estimated tax owed for the current year, or
- 100% of the tax shown on your prior year’s tax return.
To check whether you owe an underpayment penalty, use IRS Form 2210, which helps you determine if a penalty applies and how much it may cost.
Stay on Top of Your Quarterly Tax Payments
To stay in business, you need to make money and meet your legal obligations—including paying your taxes. If you are self-employed business owner, be sure to make your next estimated quarterly payment by September 15 to avoid unnecessary penalties.
Sole proprietorships, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and corporations may all have different tax requirements, so it’s important to understand how your business structure affects your payments.
If you have questions about tax planning, business structure, or compliance, reach out to a Rocket Legal Pro for fast, affordable legal help tailored to your needs.
Please note: This page offers general legal information, not but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.
