deadlines
By Jason Mercer · · Figures verified 2026-05-31
2026 Quarterly Estimated Tax Due Dates
The four 2026 federal estimated tax deadlines are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15, 2027. Note that the final payment for tax year 2026 lands in January 2027. This is the quick-reference version — for the full how and why, see the complete quarterly taxes guide.
2026 estimated tax due dates
Q1
Apr 15, 2026
Q2
Jun 15, 2026
Q3
Sep 15, 2026
Q4
Jan 15, 2027
The 2026 schedule at a glance
| Quarter | Income period | Payment due |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026 | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 | Apr 1 – May 31, 2026 | June 15, 2026 |
| Q3 | Jun 1 – Aug 31, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
| Q4 | Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2026 | January 15, 2027 |
⬇ Add all four dates to your calendar (.ics)
The download adds each deadline to Apple Calendar, Google Calendar, or Outlook with a reminder two days before.
A few things to know about these dates
- The quarters aren’t equal. Q1 covers three months, Q2 only two (April–May), Q3 three, and Q4 four (September–December). Most people still just pay a quarter of their annual estimate each time.
- Q4 is due in January. It’s easy to assume the last payment rolls into your April return — it doesn’t. It’s due January 15, 2027, and it applies to tax year 2026.
- Weekend and holiday shifts. If a date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.
- State deadlines may differ. Most income-tax states want their own estimated payments, sometimes on a different schedule. These dates are federal only.
Don’t miss one
Payments are credited quarter-by-quarter, so a late payment in one quarter can trigger a penalty even if you catch up later. The fix is simple: know your number, and pay on time. (How to pay in five minutes.) (How the penalty and safe harbor work.)
What to do before each deadline
- Run your numbers — tally net self-employment income since the last payment and estimate income tax for the period.
- Apply the safe-harbor shortcut — paying at least 25% of last year’s total tax bill each quarter protects you from underpayment penalties even if your income jumps.
- Pay via IRS Direct Pay — free, instant, no account needed. Select “Estimated Tax” and tax year 2026. (Step-by-step walkthrough.)
- Screenshot the confirmation — keep the confirmation number; it’s your proof of payment if the IRS ever questions timing.
Frequently asked
› When are estimated taxes due in 2026?
The four federal deadlines are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15, 2027.
› Why is the last 2026 payment due in 2027?
The Q4 period covers September through December 2026, and the IRS sets its deadline about two weeks after the period ends — January 2027. It still applies to your 2026 tax year, so select 2026 when you pay.
› What if a due date is on a weekend?
If a deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, it shifts to the next business day. Paying on the official date listed above is always safe.
Sources
- IRS — Estimated Taxes
- IRS — About Form 1040-ES
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