For owners of construction and remodeling businesses, taxes can be a real headache. Unlike employees who have their taxes taken out of their paychecks automatically, business owners are responsible for taking care of their tax responsibilities themselves by making estimated quarterly tax payments throughout the year. Contrary to common belief, these payments are not optional but are required, and failure to pay on time can result in substantial penalties.
Deadlines for 2026 Estimated Quarterly Tax Payments
The due dates for tax year 2026, from the IRS instructions to Form 1040-ES (2026), “Payment Due Dates”:
| Payment | Due date |
|---|---|
| 1st payment | |
| 2nd payment | |
| 3rd payment | |
| 4th payment |
This page re-checks these dates every time it is rebuilt; it was last built .
If a due date has passed and you missed the payment: pay it now, not with the next quarter. The IRS figures the Underpayment of Estimated Tax penalty on the amount underpaid, the period it stayed unpaid and its published quarterly interest rates, and it charges interest on the penalty until the balance is paid in full — so every week of waiting costs more (IRS, Underpayment of Estimated Tax by Individuals Penalty).
You can skip the January 15, 2027 payment if you file your 2026 return and pay the entire balance due by February 1, 2027 (same source). If you mail a payment, the U.S. postmark date counts as the payment date; a due date that falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday moves to the next business day (IRS, Estimated Taxes).
Who has to pay, and how much is enough
Per the same Form 1040-ES instructions, you generally must make estimated payments for 2026 if you expect to owe at least $1,000 after withholding and refundable credits, and your withholding and credits will be less than the smaller of 90% of your 2026 tax or 100% of your 2025 tax. If your 2025 adjusted gross income was more than $150,000 ($75,000 if married filing separately), that prior-year figure is 110% instead of 100%. Corporations generally must pay estimated tax if they expect to owe $500 or more (IRS, Estimated Taxes).
Filing a prior year?
Tax year 2025 (IRS Form 1040-ES, 2025): April 15, 2025 · June 16, 2025 · September 15, 2025 · January 15, 2026. The January payment could be skipped by filing the 2025 return and paying in full by February 2, 2026. The $1,000 threshold and the 90% / 100% / 110% rule were the same, measured against 2024 income.
Tax year 2024 (IRS Form 1040-ES, 2024): April 15, 2024 · June 17, 2024 · September 16, 2024 · January 15, 2025. The January payment could be skipped by filing the 2024 return and paying in full by January 31, 2025. Same threshold and safe-harbor percentages, measured against 2023 income.
Note: These deadlines shift slightly from year to year because of weekends and holidays; the IRS publishes each year’s dates in that year’s Form 1040-ES.
Estimating Your Quarterly Tax Payments
To calculate how much you owe in taxes you’ll need to estimate your income and deductions. A common way of going about this is simply using your prior year’s tax return as a starting point.
Once calculated, you can use IRS Form 1040-ES to figure your estimated tax, and pay it by mail with the voucher, or online, by phone or through your IRS online account (IRS, Estimated Taxes).
Tips for Managing Quarterly Taxes Effectively
Keep Detailed Records: Keep records of your income and expenses throughout the year to make calculating taxes easier. Use accounting software. Seeking help can help maintain organization.
Save Money Regularly: Since no taxes are taken out of your income it’s an idea to set aside some money for quarterly tax payments. Consider opening a separate bank account for taxes and depositing a portion of each payment into it.
Consider Payments: During successful quarters or when unexpected income is received think about making extra estimated tax payments to cover any resulting tax obligations. This proactive approach can help prevent surprises come tax season and reduce future cash flow problems.
Stay Informed About Changes to the Tax Law: Tax laws can change over time so it’s important to stay alert, to any updates that could affect your tax responsibilities. Seeking advice from tax experts or following sources of tax news can help you stay informed and adjust your estimated payments accordingly.
In Summary
While it can be a real hassle (as taxes usually are), paying your estimated quarterly taxes on time will ensure that you avoid unnecessary penalties. Remember to keep records and keep funds set aside for these taxes so you’re not overwhelmed when the due date arrives.
This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this post.
