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The Daily Insight

How do entrepreneurs pay estimated taxes?

Author

Andrew Ramirez

Published Mar 04, 2026

Entrepreneurs filling out this form for the first time will have to estimate the amount of income they expect to earn for the year. Payments can be made either electronically through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or through the mail using the blank vouchers included with Form 1040-ES.

What does estimated federal tax paid mean?

15, 2019. Estimated tax is the method used to pay tax on income that is not subject to withholding. This income includes earnings from self-employment, interest, dividends, rents, and alimony. Taxpayers who do not choose to have taxes withheld from other taxable income should also make estimated tax payments.

How are estimated taxes used to pay taxes?

Estimated tax payments are used to pay not only income tax, but other taxes as well, such as self-employment tax and alternative minimum tax. Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals, provides general rules to help you pay the income taxes you owe.

When do self employed have to pay estimated taxes?

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act permits self-employed individuals making estimated tax payments to defer the payment of 50% of the social security tax on net earnings from self-employment imposed for the period beginning on March 27, 2020 and ending December 31, 2020.

How do I pay my quarterly estimated taxes?

The way you pay quarterly estimated taxes varies according to your business structure. To pay your quarterly estimated taxes by mail, fill out and send Form 1040-ES, along with a check, to your nearest IRS office. You can also pay online or by phone using the IRS Payments Gateway.

How are estimated taxes calculated for a corporation?

You must make adjustments both for changes in your own situation and for recent changes in the tax law. Corporations generally use Form 1120-W, to figure estimated tax. For estimated tax purposes, the year is divided into four payment periods.