Form detail
IRS Form 1040-ES
Estimated Tax for Individuals
Country
United States
Revision year
2025
Methods
paper, efile
Updated
2026-05-20
Estimated Tax for Individuals
Quarterly estimated-tax voucher package for individuals with income not subject to withholding.
Who must file: Individuals who expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax after withholding and refundable credits, including self-employed taxpayers, investors, and gig workers.
Practical overview
Form 1040-ES is the safe-harbor planning tool that prevents underpayment penalties. The two main safe harbors are paying at least 90 percent of current-year tax or 100 percent of prior-year tax (110 percent if prior-year AGI was above the threshold). Many filers misunderstand the unequal quarter dates: the second quarter is two months not three.
Practical steps
- Project current-year taxable income and tax liability using the worksheet in the instructions.
- Pick a safe harbor (current-year 90 percent or prior-year 100/110 percent).
- Pay quarterly via IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS, or the paper voucher.
- Adjust mid-year if income changes materially.
Due-date notes
Quarterly: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15 of the following year (next business day if a weekend or holiday).
Timing: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15
Penalty snapshot
Underpayment penalty calculated as interest on the unpaid quarterly amount, with safe-harbor exceptions described in the instructions.
Related forms
Related guides
Related citations
Computed from the cross-reference graph. Links open the related entity on this site.
This entry cites
- FormIRS 1040
Cited by
Primary sources
- About Form 1040-ESVerified 2026-05-20
Important disclaimer
This library is for general tax education only. Always verify filing obligations, due dates, and tax consequences against the cited primary source or with a qualified tax professional.