I write this because I almost forgot about the June 15 deadline myself. It wasn’t until last night that I saw a little reminder on my computer alerting me to today’s due date. It has always confused me about the due dates for estimated taxes. The last payment was due on April 15th, yet the next payment is due only two months later. Then the next one isn’t due until September, and the final one isn’t due for another four months in January of next year.
Why can’t the due dates just fall every three months? I’m sure there is some really good reason for the odd schedule, but then again it is the IRS and we’re talking about the U.S. tax code here. We all know how streamlined that is!
All kidding aside, your next quarterly estimated tax payment is due today. The easiest way to make these payments is online through EFTPS.gov but you can still mail it in with a voucher if you want.
The Payment Schedule
If you do not pay enough tax by the due date of each of the payment periods, you may be charged a penalty even if you are due a refund when you file your income tax return. The payment periods and due dates for estimated tax payments are:
April 15
June 15
September 15
January 15
Have you been wondering if you should even be paying estimated taxes? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. If you aren’t sure, be sure to check out IRS Publication 505 for all the information you could ever want on estimated taxes. It’s better to be safe than sorry and end up with underpayment penalties, so check it out if you’re unsure.
And don’t be like me and wait until the last day to remember. Set up scheduled payments with EFTPS or set a reminder for a few days in advance.
Author: Jeremy Vohwinkle
My name is Jeremy Vohwinkle, and I’ve spent a number of years working in the finance industry providing financial advice to regular investors and those participating in employer-sponsored retirement plans.
