Here’s what HIVE AI had to say about “Should I make estimated tax payments?”:
You should make estimated tax payments for 2026 if you expect both of these to be true:
- You will owe at least $1,000 when you file, after subtracting withholding and refundable credits.
- Your withholding and refundable credits will be less than the smaller of 90% of your 2026 tax or 100% of your 2025 tax, or 110% of your 2025 tax if your 2025 AGI was over $150,000 ($75,000 if married filing separately).
You probably should make them if you have income with little or no withholding, such as self-employment, side gig, partnership, S corporation, interest, dividends, capital gains, rent, or similar income.
You may not need estimated payments if your wage withholding will fully cover your 2026 tax. Withholding is treated as paid evenly through the year unless you establish the actual withholding dates, which is why increasing withholding can sometimes work instead of sending quarterly estimates.
If you do need estimated payments, individuals generally pay in four installments using Form 1040-ES. The usual due dates for calendar-year taxpayers are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
So the short answer is:
- Yes, if your withholding will not cover enough of your 2026 tax and you expect to owe $1,000 or more.
- No, if you can cover the same amount by adjusting withholding and that withholding will be sufficient. 5 4
If you want, I can help you decide based on your 2025 total tax, your 2026 year-to-date withholding, and any untaxed income.
Sources
1 – IRS – Publication 505 Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax
2 – Notice 2026-3
3 – IRS – Publication 6147-B Do you need to make estimated tax payments?
4 – IRC § 6654(g)
5 – Estimated tax | Internal Revenue Service
6 – Publication 505 (2026), Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax | Internal Revenue Service
7 – About Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals | Internal Revenue Service
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