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For self-employed individuals, freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners, paying taxes isn’t just a once-a-year event. If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes, the IRS likely expects you to pay estimated tax payments each quarter — and the Q2 estimated tax deadline is June 15.

In this guide, we’ll explain who needs to pay, how to calculate your estimated tax using safe harbor rules, and how to submit payments through IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS. We’ll also cover the penalties for missing a deadline — and how to avoid them.

Who Needs to Pay Estimated Tax Payments?

If you don’t have enough federal income tax withheld from your paycheck or receive income that isn’t subject to withholding, you’re probably on the hook for estimated payments.

Common examples include:

• Freelancers and independent contractors

• Gig workers (Uber, DoorDash, Airbnb hosts, etc.)

• Landlords with rental income

• Small business owners and sole proprietors

• S Corp shareholders

• Retirees with pension, investment, or IRA withdrawals not subject to withholding

IRS threshold:

You’re required to make estimated payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes after subtracting your withholdings and credits.

When Is the Q2 Estimated Tax Deadline?

The second quarterly tax payment is due June 15, 2025. Even though the tax year follows the calendar year, the IRS splits it into four unequal quarters for estimated tax purposes:

What happens if you miss the Q2 deadline?

Missing a deadline could result in underpayment penalties and interest, even if you plan to catch up later. The IRS calculates penalties based on the amount underpaid and the time it was unpaid — not just whether you eventually make it up.

How to Calculate Your Estimated Tax Payments

The IRS offers two main options for estimating your quarterly payments. Most taxpayers follow safe harbor rules to avoid underpayment penalties.

Option 1: Safe Harbor Rules

You can avoid penalties if you pay:

• 100% of your prior year’s tax liability (if your adjusted gross income was under $150,000), or

• 110% of your prior year’s tax (if your AGI was $150,000 or more)

This is a good option if your income is stable or growing slowly. Simply divide the total safe harbor amount by four and pay it quarterly.

Example:

Let’s say you owed $16,000 in taxes last year. Your AGI was $160,000.
110% of last year’s tax = $17,600
Quarterly estimated payment = $17,600 ÷ 4 = $4,400

Option 2: Current-Year Income Estimate

If your income fluctuates or you had a drop in earnings, you may want to calculate estimated taxes based on your projected current-year income. You’ll need to:

• Estimate total income for the year

• Subtract deductions and credits

• Use IRS Form 1040-ES to calculate quarterly taxes due

While this method is more accurate, it comes with risk — underestimating your income can lead to penalties.

How to Make Your Payment

The IRS offers two convenient, free online systems for making quarterly payments:

Option 1: IRS Direct Pay

• No registration required

• Pay directly from your checking or savings account

• Confirmation is provided immediately

• Visit IRS Direct Pay

Option 2: EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System)

• Requires a one-time registration

• Ideal for business owners or those managing multiple tax types

• Ability to schedule future payments

• Visit EFTPS

Other Payment Methods:

• IRS2Go app

• Check or money order (slowest and riskiest for deadline timing)

• Third-party providers (fees may apply)

Penalties for Missing a Deadline

The IRS charges a penalty if you:

• Fail to make a required payment on time, or

• Underpay the amount due

Penalty breakdown:

• Failure-to-pay penalty: 0.5% of unpaid tax per month

• Underpayment interest: Based on the federal short-term rate + 3%

Example:

If you were supposed to pay $4,000 by June 15 and missed it until August 15, you could owe:

• $4,000 x 0.5% x 2 months = $40 in late payment penalty

• Plus interest that accrues daily

How to Avoid Penalties:

• Follow safe harbor rules

• Set calendar reminders for due dates

• Set up EFTPS auto-scheduling

• Adjust your withholding if you’re also a W-2 employee

FAQs About Estimated Tax Payments

1. What if I overpay estimated taxes?

The IRS will refund any overpayment after you file your tax return, or you can apply it to next year’s estimated taxes.

2. Can I skip a quarter and catch up later?

No. The IRS expects payment each quarter. Skipping one and doubling up later still results in penalties.

3. What if I’m a first-time filer?

You’ll need to estimate your full-year income using IRS Form 1040-ES. If unsure, safe harbor based on a tax pro’s projection is your safest bet.

4. Are estimated payments required in retirement?

If your retirement income isn’t subject to withholding — such as rental income or large capital gains — you may need to make estimated payments.

5. Are there tools or calculators to help?

Yes! The IRS offers an online Tax Withholding Estimator, and many tax software platforms include quarterly payment tools.

Conclusion: Don’t Miss the June 15 Deadline

The Q2 deadline for estimated tax payments is a key checkpoint for keeping your finances — and IRS record — in good shape. Whether you’re self-employed or managing a small business, understanding your tax obligations and following safe harbor rules will help you avoid costly surprises.

Need Help Navigating Estimated Tax Payments?
Our trusted partner, Solutions Group Accounting, specializes in helping small business owners, freelancers, and self-employed professionals stay compliant with quarterly tax obligations. Whether you need help calculating your Q2 payment, understanding safe harbor rules, or setting up IRS payment systems, their expert team is ready to guide you every step of the way.