How to Pay Quarterly Estimated Taxes

Complete guide to payment methods for quarterly estimated tax payments. Choose the method that works best for your situation.

Payment Deadlines

Quarterly payments are due on: April 15, June 16, September 15, and January 15 (or next business day if on weekend/holiday).

For electronic payments, the payment must be initiated by 8:00 PM ET on the due date. For mailed payments, the envelope must be postmarked by the due date.

EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System)

Recommended

Recommended for businesses and frequent filers. Schedule payments in advance, batch multiple payments, and get instant confirmation.

Advantages

  • •Free to use
  • •Schedule payments up to 365 days in advance
  • •Batch payments for multiple clients
  • •Instant confirmation and receipt
  • •Access payment history
  • •Best for recurring payments

Considerations

  • •Requires enrollment (one-time setup)
  • •Need PIN and password
  • •Takes 1-2 business days to process enrollment

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1.Visit eftps.gov and click "Enroll"
  2. 2.Complete enrollment form (need SSN, name, address, bank account)
  3. 3.Receive PIN via mail (5-7 business days)
  4. 4.Log in and schedule your quarterly payment
  5. 5.Save confirmation number
Visit Official Website →

IRS Direct Pay

Recommended

Simple, free option for individuals. Pay directly from your bank account without enrolling. Perfect for one-off or last-minute payments.

Advantages

  • •No enrollment required
  • •Free to use
  • •Pay directly from checking or savings account
  • •Instant confirmation
  • •Available 24/7
  • •Good for last-minute payments

Considerations

  • •Cannot schedule payments in advance
  • •Must pay on the day you initiate
  • •Limited to individual taxpayers

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1.Visit irs.gov/payments/direct-pay
  2. 2.Select "Estimated Tax" as payment type
  3. 3.Enter your tax information (SSN, filing status, etc.)
  4. 4.Enter payment amount and select tax year
  5. 5.Enter bank account information
  6. 6.Review and confirm payment
  7. 7.Save confirmation number
Visit Official Website →

Credit or Debit Card

Pay using a credit or debit card through authorized payment processors. Convenient but includes processing fees.

Advantages

  • •Instant payment
  • •Earn credit card rewards (if applicable)
  • •No enrollment required
  • •Available 24/7

Considerations

  • •Processing fees apply (typically 1.87% - 2.35%)
  • •Fees vary by processor
  • •Cannot schedule in advance

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1.Visit irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card
  2. 2.Choose an authorized payment processor
  3. 3.Enter payment information
  4. 4.Pay processing fee
  5. 5.Receive confirmation
Visit Official Website →

Mail with Form 1040-ES

Traditional method of mailing a check or money order with Form 1040-ES voucher. Still accepted but slower than electronic methods.

Advantages

  • •No fees
  • •No enrollment required
  • •Familiar process

Considerations

  • •Must mail by deadline (postmark date matters)
  • •No instant confirmation
  • •Risk of mail delays
  • •Must keep proof of mailing

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1.Download Form 1040-ES from irs.gov
  2. 2.Complete the payment voucher
  3. 3.Write a check or money order payable to "United States Treasury"
  4. 4.Mail to the address for your state (see form instructions)
  5. 5.Mail early to ensure postmark by deadline
  6. 6.Keep proof of mailing (certified mail recommended)
Visit Official Website →

IRS2Go Mobile App

Pay quarterly taxes using the official IRS mobile app. Available for iOS and Android devices.

Advantages

  • •Convenient mobile payment
  • •Free to use
  • •Secure and official
  • •Payment history access

Considerations

  • •Requires app installation
  • •Limited to mobile devices

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1.Download IRS2Go app from App Store or Google Play
  2. 2.Open app and select "Make a Payment"
  3. 3.Choose payment method (Direct Pay or card)
  4. 4.Enter payment information
  5. 5.Confirm and save receipt
Visit Official Website →

Best Practices

  • Schedule Early: Use EFTPS to schedule payments 10-14 days before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.
  • Save Confirmations: Always save payment confirmation numbers and receipts. Keep them with your tax records.
  • Set Reminders: Set calendar reminders 3-5 days before each quarterly deadline.
  • Keep Records: Maintain a payment ledger with dates, amounts, confirmation numbers, and payment methods.
  • Verify Payments: Check your IRS online account periodically to verify all payments were processed correctly.

Need Help Calculating Your Payment?

Use our free quarterly tax calculator to determine exactly how much you need to pay each quarter.