The second-quarter estimated tax payment is due June 15, 2026, marking a critical deadline for self-employed individuals, business owners, and others who owe taxes outside traditional withholding. This tax filing deadline applies to income earned between April 1 and May 31.
Quick Facts
- Second-quarter estimated taxes are due June 15, 2026, for income earned April 1 to May 31.
- The IRS expects four quarterly payments each year: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
- Taxpayers can avoid underpayment penalties by paying at least 90% of their current-year tax liability or 100% of their prior-year tax, whichever is lower.
- Missing a payment deadline triggers interest and penalties that compound daily until the balance is paid.
Estimated tax payments are required for individuals, sole proprietors, and business owners who expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal income tax after accounting for withholding and credits. The IRS allows flexibility in how often you pay—weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly—as long as you’ve paid enough by the end of the quarter.
Form 1040-ES is used to calculate and report estimated tax payments. Taxpayers can submit payments through the IRS Payments portal, EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System), or by mail. Paying online or through EFTPS is typically faster and reduces the risk of late-payment penalties.
If you miss the June 15 deadline, the IRS may assess an underpayment penalty. These penalties are calculated based on the timing and amount of underpayment, not as a discretionary punishment. The penalty applies to individuals, estates, and trusts that fail to pay enough tax through withholding and estimated payments. Interest accrues daily from the due date until the full amount is paid.
Taxpayers who face genuine hardship may request a penalty waiver for reasonable cause, such as casualty events or other documented circumstances. However, paying the missed amount as soon as possible is the most direct way to minimize additional interest charges.
Sources
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — Confirmed June 15, 2026 due date, quarterly payment schedule, underpayment penalty rules, and Form 1040-ES requirements.
- Kiplinger — Reported June 15, 2026 as the next quarterly estimated tax deadline and income period details.
- Fidelity — Provided quarterly payment dates for 2026 and tax planning guidance.
- NerdWallet — Documented estimated tax payment due dates and frequency for 2026.
- Block Advisors — Outlined quarterly estimated tax payment schedule and general requirements.
- Investopedia — Explained the 90% safe harbor rule for avoiding underpayment penalties.
