Free Tax Tool
Estimated Tax Calculator
Estimate your 2026 federal income tax and NJ Gross Income Tax liability, and calculate how much to pay each quarter to avoid underpayment penalties.
Enter Your Information
Total Box 1 wages from all W-2s
Schedule C profit, K-1 ordinary income
Net short-term and long-term gains
Rental income, interest, dividends, etc.
W-2 Box 2 + other federal tax withheld
Example: NJ Self-Employed, Married Filing Jointly, $150K Net Income (2026)
| Component | Federal | NJ State |
|---|---|---|
| SE Tax (federal only) | $21,194 | N/A |
| Income Tax | ~$9,064 | ~$5,400 |
| Total Annual Tax | ~$30,258 | ~$5,400 |
| Quarterly Payment (Q1-Q4) | ~$7,565 | ~$1,350 |
Federal estimate assumes QBI deduction (20%), SE deduction, and 2026 standard deduction ($32,200 MFJ under OBBBA). NJ estimate assumes no QBI or standard deduction (NJ non-conformity). Federal quarterly payments due Apr 15, Jun 15, Sep 15, Jan 15. NJ payments due same dates via myNJtax.com. Schedule a consultation for your personalized quarterly payment schedule.
How Quarterly Estimated Taxes Work
If you earn income that is not subject to withholding (self-employment income, rental income, capital gains, or large interest and dividend income), you are generally required to pay federal and NJ estimated taxes quarterly.
When Estimated Taxes Are Due
Federal estimated tax payments (Form 1040-ES) and NJ estimated payments (NJ-1040-ES) are due four times per year:
- • Q1: April 15
- • Q2: June 15
- • Q3: September 15
- • Q4: January 15 of the following year
The Safe Harbor Rule
You avoid the underpayment penalty if you pay at least 100% of your prior year's tax liability (110% if your AGI exceeded $150,000 last year) through withholding and estimated payments. Alternatively, you can pay 90% of your current year's actual liability.
For NJ, the safe harbor is 80% of the current year's tax or 100% of the prior year's tax.
How to Pay
- • Federal: IRS Direct Pay (free) at pay.gov or EFTPS.gov
- • NJ: myNJtax.com (NJ Division of Taxation online portal)
Self-employed? See if S-Corp election could lower your tax bill.
The S-Corp Savings Calculator compares your sole prop SE taxes against S-Corp payroll taxes, including NJ compliance costs.
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, I inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained herein is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.