Q4 Estimated Tax Payment: January 15, 2027 Checklist
By Cedar & Ledger
If you freelance or run a side hustle and pay quarterly estimated taxes, the fourth payment for 2026 income is due January 15, 2027 (a Friday). This guide is a short checklist for getting that payment ready, with made-up example numbers.
This is general information, not tax advice. Rules depend on your situation; check IRS.gov or ask a tax professional. Every figure below is a made-up example.
Quick checklist
- ☐ Total your September through December business income
- ☐ Subtract business expenses you have records for
- ☐ Check what you set aside for taxes during those months
- ☐ Compare with the amount you or your tax pro planned
- ☐ Pay through IRS Direct Pay or your IRS online account, and save the confirmation
- ☐ Check whether your state has its own January payment
Step 1: Total the last stretch of the year
The fourth estimated payment covers income from September 1 through December 31, 2026. Pull the totals from your income log or bank deposits.
Example (made-up numbers): Sales $4,200, expenses $900, profit $3,300.
Step 2: Check your set-aside
Many side hustlers move a fixed percentage of each payment into a separate savings account. How Much to Set Aside for Side Hustle Taxes explains how people pick that percentage.
Example (made-up numbers): You set aside 25% of $3,300 = $825 over the four months.
Step 3: Decide the payment amount
Use the amount from your own estimate or from your tax professional. If income was higher or lower than expected, the payment may need to change. The IRS Form 1040-ES instructions explain the worksheets.
Step 4: Pay and keep the record
Pay through the IRS's own payment options and save the confirmation number with your tax files. You will need the total of all four payments when you file.
Step 5: Start the 2027 log
January is a good time to start a fresh income and mileage log, so next year's quarterly totals take minutes instead of an afternoon. How to Track Side Hustle Income and Mileage in 2027 covers what to record.
Tools that help
The printable 2026 Tax Prep Organizer ($7) has pages for income, 1099s, expenses and estimated payments made. For next year, the 2027 Side Hustle Income & Mileage Log ($5) has monthly logs and a quarterly reminder page. See also the Tax Prep Checklist for Side Hustlers.
Common questions
Do I have to make estimated payments? It depends on how much tax you expect to owe and how much is withheld elsewhere. Check IRS.gov or a tax professional.
What if I file early? The 1040-ES instructions describe an option to file your full return and pay by an early deadline instead of making the January payment. Check the current year's instructions for the date.
Related template: Side Hustle Income & Expense Tracker. Also see: 2026 Tax Prep Organizer · 2027 Side Hustle Income & Mileage Log
See all Cedar & Ledger templates
Try the free side hustle tax set-aside calculator →
Frequently asked questions
What does this guide cover?
Get the Jan 15, 2027 Q4 estimated tax payment ready: total Sept-Dec income, check your set-aside, pay and save the record. Not tax advice.
What are the steps?
1) Total the last stretch of the year; 2) Check your set-aside; 3) Decide the payment amount; 4) Pay and keep the record; 5) Start the 2027 log.
Do I need a template to do this?
No. A notebook or a sheet you build yourself works fine. Cedar & Ledger also sells spreadsheet templates (I'd earn from a purchase); see the template box at the top of this page.
Is this financial advice?
No. It's general information with example numbers only, not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Use your own numbers and check anything important with a qualified professional or the official source.
Also see: Tax filing timeline 2027