How to Pay Your Q3 Estimated Taxes in 2026
If you earn 1099 income, you pay taxes throughout the year. Q3 covers income earned from June 1 through August 31, and the payment is due September 15, 2026.
Why quarterly taxes matter
Paying throughout the year can help independent workers avoid underpayment penalties and a large surprise bill in April.
Generally, you do not need to make federal estimated tax payments if you expect to owe less than $1,000 in tax for the year after subtracting withholding and refundable credits.
Q3 at a glance
- Income period: June 1–August 31, 2026
- Due date: September 15, 2026
- Federal and state payments are submitted separately
How much to set aside
A common starting range is 25–35% of each 1099 payment, but your actual amount depends on income, location, W-2 wages, and deductions.
How to pay
Submit federal estimated tax through IRS Direct Pay using Form 1040-ES and tax year 2026. Submit any state amount through your state’s official tax portal, then save both confirmation numbers.
Some states, including California, use a different estimated-tax payment schedule from the federal schedule. Check your state’s official schedule for its deadlines and required payment amounts.
Use Bookd Finances to organize the numbers
Log Q3 gigs, mileage, expenses, and reimbursements in Bookd Finances, then pull a quarterly report to review estimated federal and state amounts.
This guide is for general educational purposes only and is not personalized tax or financial advice.