Quarterly Estimated Taxes
Accurate quarterly estimated tax calculations and payment reminders that keep you clear of underpayment penalties.
How BATS handles quarterly estimated taxes
If tax is not withheld from your income, the IRS and most states expect you to pay as you go. We calculate federal and state estimates from your actual results, adjust them when income changes and remind you before each deadline.
We work with clients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., so state-specific rules are covered whether you are in one state or several.
Who this is for
- Freelancers and business owners
- Retirees with investment or pension income
- Investors with large capital gains
- Anyone who owed a large balance last April
Everything covered in this service
Federal Form 1040-ES calculations
State estimated tax calculations
Safe-harbor method selection
Quarterly recalculation as income changes
Payment reminders before each due date
Underpayment penalty review at filing time
The paperwork behind quarterly estimated taxes
| Form 1040-ES | Estimated tax worksheet and payment vouchers for individuals |
|---|---|
| State estimated vouchers | Separate payments for states that tax income |
| Form 2210 | Calculates or waives the individual underpayment penalty |
| Form 1120-W | Estimated tax for corporations |
| IRS Direct Pay and EFTPS | Free official ways to make federal payments |
What we'll need from you
Have these ready and your first meeting goes much faster. Don't worry if something is missing; we'll help you find it.
- Last year's federal and state returns
- Year-to-date income from all sources
- Recent pay stubs showing withholding
- Expected large gains, bonuses or one-time income
How it works, step by step
Baseline
We start from your prior-year tax and current-year projections.
Choose a method
We pick safe-harbor or annualised payments, whichever suits you.
Remind and adjust
Before each deadline we confirm or adjust your payment.
Reconcile
At filing time we apply payments and check for penalties.
Why clients choose BATS for quarterly estimated taxes
Numbers, not guesses
Every recommendation is modelled with your actual figures.
Before the deadline
Planning happens while there's still time to act, not after the year closes.
Conservative and documented
Strategies are supported by the tax code and backed by proper paperwork.
Coordinated
Books, returns and strategy handled by one team that sees the whole picture.
Quarterly Estimated Taxes FAQs
11 answers to the questions clients ask us most. Don't see yours? Ask us directly.
When are estimated payments due?
Generally April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15 of the following year, moved to the next business day when a date falls on a weekend or holiday.
What is the safe harbor?
Paying at least 100% of last year's tax (110% for higher incomes), or 90% of this year's, through withholding and estimates generally avoids the federal underpayment penalty.
Can I just pay everything in April?
You can, but you may owe an underpayment penalty that grows with time.
How do I make the payments?
Through IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS, your IRS online account, or by debit or credit card. We give you the exact amounts and dates.
Can I increase W-2 withholding instead?
Yes. Withholding is treated as paid evenly through the year, so increasing it late in the year can fix an underpayment that estimates could not.
My income is lumpy. Do I have to pay four equal amounts?
No. The annualized income installment method lets your payments follow when income is actually earned, which can reduce or eliminate penalties.
Are there special rules for farmers and fishermen?
Yes. Qualifying farmers and fishermen can make one estimated payment by January 15 or file and pay by March 1.
Do states require estimated payments too?
Most states with an income tax do, with their own thresholds and due dates. We calculate both.
Do you recommend aggressive tax shelters?
No. We only recommend strategies supported by the tax code and IRS guidance, and we explain the risk and paperwork behind each one.
Can you work with my financial advisor or attorney?
Yes. Tax decisions often affect investments, estate plans and legal structures, and we coordinate with your other advisors.
How do you measure results?
Every recommendation comes with an estimated tax impact, so you can see the value before you act.
Often paired with this service
Self-Employed & Freelancer Tax
Schedule C returns, self-employment tax planning and quarterly estimates for freelancers, contractors and gig workers.
Learn moreTax Planning & StrategyTax Planning & Strategy
Proactive, year-round tax planning that lowers your bill through timing, structure, retirement contributions and credits.
Learn moreAccounting & BookkeepingPayroll Services
Full-service payroll with direct deposit, federal and state payroll tax filings, W-2s and new-hire reporting.
Learn moreQuarterly Estimated Taxes in every state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Popular cities
- Birmingham, AL
- Anchorage, AK
- Phoenix, AZ
- Little Rock, AR
- Los Angeles, CA
- Denver, CO
- Bridgeport, CT
- Wilmington, DE
- Jacksonville, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Honolulu, HI
- Boise, ID
- Chicago, IL
- Indianapolis, IN
- Des Moines, IA
- Wichita, KS
- Louisville, KY
- New Orleans, LA
- Portland, ME
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Detroit, MI
- Minneapolis, MN
- Jackson, MS
- Kansas City, MO
- Billings, MT
- Omaha, NE
- Las Vegas, NV
- Manchester, NH
- Newark, NJ
- Albuquerque, NM
- New York City, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Fargo, ND
- Columbus, OH
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Portland, OR
- Philadelphia, PA
- Providence, RI
- Charleston, SC
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Nashville, TN
- Houston, TX
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Burlington, VT
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington
- Charleston, WV
- Milwaukee, WI
- Cheyenne, WY
Get help with quarterly estimated taxes
Book a consultation and get a clear plan for your taxes and books, wherever you are in the U.S.