Free calculator
Know your next tax payment before it’s due.
For consultants, founders and creators with no withholding. One number to move each month, and what to send on each IRS deadline.
Estimated set-aside
Set aside $5,550 a monthand send $22,200 by January 15, 2027.
- Monthly income
- $15,000
- Set aside (37%)
- −$5,550
- Yours to spend
- $9,450
The next four payments
The quarters aren’t equal: June’s payment covers two months, January’s covers four.
| Due | Covers | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 15, 2027 | Sep–Dec 2026 | $22,200 |
| Apr 15, 2027 | Jan–Mar 2027 | $16,650 |
| Jun 15, 2027 | Apr–May 2027 | $11,100 |
| Sep 15, 2027 | Jun–Aug 2027 | $16,650 |
How the set-aside is estimated
The suggested rate is a flat estimate of federal income tax and self-employment tax at high incomes (28%), plus a rough top rate for your state. Set it higher if you had a big year or lower if you have large business expenses.
Each payment is your monthly set-aside times the months it covers. Estimated tax is due April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15 of the next year, moved to Monday when the date falls on a weekend. Holidays aren’t modeled.
The safe harbor
The IRS doesn’t charge an underpayment penalty if you pay, on time, the smaller of 90% of this year’s tax or 100% of last year’s. If last year’s adjusted gross income was over $150,000, use 110% of last year’s tax. In a rising year that is often the easier target.
Have a W-2 job with a bonus? Try the bonus take-home calculator.
An estimate, not tax advice. It uses flat rates and doesn’t know your full tax picture; check your pay stub or a tax professional before you act on it.
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