← Guides · November 9, 2026
The Q4 Estimated Tax Payment Is Due January 15: How to Size It
Many freelancers think the year’s last estimated payment is due in December. For the 2026 tax year, the fourth payment is due January 15, 2027.
How to size it
- Add up net profit so far (income minus business expenses) and project it through December.
- Estimate the year’s tax. Self-employment tax is about 15.3% of 92.35% of net profit, plus income tax.
- Subtract what you already paid in the first three payments. What is left is a reasonable Q4 payment.
Example: projected net profit of $80,000 gives about $11,300 of self-employment tax. Add roughly $9,000 of federal income tax and you owe about $20,300 for the year. If you paid $15,000 in Q1 to Q3, the Q4 payment is about $5,300.
Underpaying can trigger a penalty, so it is better to be a little over than under. Put your own numbers in the calculator.