How can I set up recurring estimated payments?

Here’s what HIVE AI had to say about “How can I set up recurring estimated payments?”:

Setting up recurring estimated tax payments

Best fully recurring option: EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System)

• Enroll at EFTPS.gov, then you can schedule multiple estimated payments in advance and set a recurring cadence. Individuals can schedule payments up to 365 days ahead; businesses up to 120 days. You can choose weekly, biweekly, monthly, or quarterly schedules, verify status online, and cancel by 11:59 p.m. Eastern at least two business days before the date. 1

Option when e‑filing: Electronic Funds Withdrawal (EFW)

• If you e‑file, you can set up multiple estimated 1040‑ES debits at the time you file your return. The IRS allows up to four quarterly estimated payments to be submitted as separate payment records, each with its own date and bank info. This is not an “open‑ended” recurring plan, but you can pre‑schedule the four quarterly payments for the year in one sitting. 2

One‑off bank debits: IRS Direct Pay

• Direct Pay lets you pick a future date and schedule a payment up to 365 days out, but it does not support true recurring payments. You must schedule each payment separately. The IRS suggests using EFTPS if you want a series of scheduled estimated payments across the year. 3

If you use IRS Online Account

• You can sign in to make same‑day payments from your bank account and see your history, but Online Account does not provide an auto‑recurring feature for estimated taxes. Use EFTPS for true recurring schedules. 3

Practical setup steps

Using EFTPS

• Enroll at EFTPS.gov and link your bank.
• After activation, choose “Estimated Tax (1040‑ES)” and schedule payments for your preferred cadence through the year (for example, quarterly on the standard due dates).
• Manage or cancel scheduled payments online; ensure changes are made by 11:59 p.m. Eastern at least two business days before the date. 1

Using EFW when you e‑file your return

• In your tax software, select Electronic Funds Withdrawal and enter bank details.
• Create a separate payment record for each of the four quarterly estimates, specifying the amount and date for each payment. 2

Using Direct Pay

• Go to IRS Direct Pay, select “Estimated Tax,” and schedule each payment individually. Keep the confirmation numbers to modify or cancel later, up to two business days before the date. For multiple scheduled installments across the year, EFTPS is recommended. 3

Planning reminders

How many payments and when

• Individuals generally make up to four quarterly installments for 1040‑ES. You may make more than four if needed; just ensure each period’s required amount is covered by its due date. 4

If your income fluctuates

• If you have uneven income during the year, consider the annualized income installment method (Form 2210 Schedule AI) so your scheduled payments track your actual income and help avoid underpayment penalties. 5

If you tell me whether you’re an individual or a business and your preferred dates, I can outline the exact clicks and due dates to set up your schedule.

Sources

1 – IRS – Publication 966 (SP) Electronic Choices to Pay all Your Federal Taxes (Spanish version) 📄 Summarize
2 – IRS.gov – Pay taxes by electronic funds withdrawal 📄 Summarize
3 – IRS.gov – Direct Pay help 📄 Summarize
4 – IRS – Form 1040-ES Estimated Tax for Individuals 📄 Summarize
5 – IRS – Publication 505 Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax 📄 Summarize

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