When Are Estimated Taxes Due in 2023?
Understanding Estimated Taxes and Who Must Pay Them
Estimated taxes are quarterly tax payments that self-employed individuals, freelancers, and small business owners are required to pay to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) throughout the year. These payments are based on an estimate of how much income and self-employment tax the individual is likely to owe for the year, and must be made in equal installments on a quarterly basis.
If you expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal income tax for the year, and you don’t have enough taxes withheld from your paycheck or other income sources to cover this amount, you are required to make estimated tax payments. This applies not only to self-employed individuals and business owners, but also to investors, landlords, and others who receive income that is not subject to withholding.
To determine how much you should be paying in estimated taxes, you’ll need to estimate your income and expenses for the year and use the IRS’s Form 1040-ES to calculate your tax liability. Keep in mind that if your income fluctuates throughout the year, you may need to adjust your estimated payments accordingly.
By paying your estimated taxes on time, you can avoid penalties and interest charges from the IRS. It’s important to keep accurate records of your income and expenses throughout the year to ensure that you’re making accurate estimated tax payments and staying on top of your tax obligations.
Important Dates for Estimated Taxes in 2023
If you’re required to make estimated tax payments in 2023, it’s important to know the deadlines for each payment period. In general, estimated tax payments are due on the following dates:
April 15, 2023: This is the due date for the first quarterly estimated tax payment for the 2023 tax year.
June 15, 2023: This is the due date for the second quarterly estimated tax payment for the 2023 tax year.
September 15, 2023: This is the due date for the third quarterly estimated tax payment for the 2023 tax year.
January 15, 2024: This is the due date for the fourth and final quarterly estimated tax payment for the 2023 tax year.
It’s important to note that if any of these dates fall on a weekend or holiday, the due date is typically pushed back to the next business day. Additionally, if you file your tax return and pay your entire tax liability by January 31, 2024, you can avoid having to make the fourth estimated tax payment.
Missing any of these deadlines or underpaying your estimated tax payments can result in penalties and interest charges from the IRS. To avoid these consequences, make sure to mark these dates on your calendar and submit your estimated tax payments on time.
How to Calculate Your Estimated Tax Payments
Calculating your estimated tax payments can be a bit tricky, as it requires you to estimate your income and expenses for the year and calculate your tax liability based on those estimates. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Estimate your total income for the year, including any self-employment income, investment income, and other sources of income.
Subtract any deductions and credits that you expect to claim on your tax return. This will give you your estimated taxable income for the year.
Use the tax tables or tax software to determine your estimated tax liability based on your estimated taxable income. Keep in mind that if your income is expected to fluctuate throughout the year, you may need to adjust your estimated tax payments accordingly.
Divide your estimated tax liability by four to determine your quarterly estimated tax payments.
Make your estimated tax payments on or before the due dates outlined by the IRS.
It’s important to note that if your estimated tax payments are significantly lower than your actual tax liability for the year, you may be subject to penalties and interest charges from the IRS. To avoid this, make sure to accurately estimate your income and expenses and adjust your estimated tax payments as necessary throughout the year.
Penalties for Late or Underpayment of Estimated Taxes
Failing to make your estimated tax payments on time or underpaying your estimated taxes can result in penalties and interest charges from the IRS. Here are some of the potential penalties you could face:
Failure-to-pay penalty: This penalty is assessed if you fail to make your estimated tax payments on time. The penalty is typically 0.5% of the unpaid tax amount for each month or part of a month that the payment is late, up to a maximum of 25%.
Underpayment penalty: This penalty is assessed if you underpay your estimated taxes for the year. The penalty is based on the amount of the underpayment and the time period in which the underpayment occurred. For 2023, the underpayment penalty rate is 3%.
Interest charges: In addition to penalties, you may also be charged interest on any unpaid tax amounts. The interest rate is determined quarterly and is based on the federal short-term rate plus 3%.
To avoid these penalties and interest charges, make sure to submit your estimated tax payments on time and pay the full amount of your estimated taxes for the year. If you’re having trouble making your payments, consider contacting the IRS to discuss your options for setting up a payment plan or making other arrangements to pay your tax liability.
Tips for Meeting Your Estimated Tax Obligations on Time
Meeting your estimated tax obligations can be challenging, especially if you’re new to self-employment or running a small business. Here are some tips to help you stay on track and avoid penalties from the IRS:
Keep accurate records of your income and expenses throughout the year. This will help you accurately estimate your tax liability and make timely estimated tax payments.
Set aside money for your estimated tax payments each quarter. This can help you avoid cash flow issues and ensure that you have the funds available to make your payments on time.
Use tax software or work with a tax professional to calculate your estimated tax payments. This can help you avoid errors and ensure that you’re making accurate payments.
Consider making your estimated tax payments electronically. This can be faster and more convenient than mailing in a check, and can help you avoid potential delays or errors.
Stay on top of your tax deadlines and mark them on your calendar. This will help ensure that you don’t miss any payments and avoid penalties from the IRS.
By following these tips and staying organized throughout the year, you can meet your estimated tax obligations on time and avoid penalties from the IRS. If you have any questions or concerns about your estimated tax payments, consider consulting with a tax professional or contacting the IRS for assistance.
