Quarterly Estimated Taxes 2027: Dates and a Plan
By Cedar & Ledger
If your side hustle or freelance work doesn't have tax withheld, you may need to pay estimated taxes during the year. A simple plan for 2027 keeps you from a big bill and possible penalties next spring.
This is general information, not tax advice. Rules depend on your situation; check IRS.gov (Form 1040-ES) or ask a tax professional. Example numbers are made up.
Quick checklist
- ☐ Check whether you're likely to owe $1,000 or more for 2027
- ☐ Put the 2027 due dates on your calendar
- ☐ Set aside a percentage of every payment you receive
- ☐ Pay through IRS Direct Pay or your IRS online account
- ☐ Check your state's estimated tax rules too
Step 1: Do you need to pay?
The IRS generally expects estimated payments if you'll owe at least $1,000 when you file, after withholding and credits. A common safe-harbor approach is paying in at least as much as last year's total tax (110% if your income was higher), but check the current rules.
Step 2: 2027 due dates
| Income earned | Usual due date |
|---|---|
| Jan 1 to Mar 31, 2027 | April 15, 2027 |
| Apr 1 to May 31, 2027 | June 15, 2027 |
| Jun 1 to Aug 31, 2027 | September 15, 2027 |
| Sep 1 to Dec 31, 2027 | Mid-January 2028 |
When a date falls on a weekend or holiday it moves to the next business day, so confirm each one on IRS.gov.
Step 3: Set aside as you earn
| (Made-up example) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Side income this quarter | $3,000 |
| Set aside 25% | $750 |
| Payment for the quarter | $750 |
Moving the set-aside to a separate savings account on payday makes the quarterly payment easy. Our side hustle taxes guide explains how to pick a percentage.
Step 4: Keep the confirmations
Save each payment confirmation. You'll enter the total paid when you file your 2027 return.
Tools that help
The 2027 Side Hustle Income Log printable tracks income, costs and miles month by month, so each quarter's total is ready. Our Q4 estimated tax payment guide covers the January payment.
Common questions
What if my income is uneven? You can pay based on what you actually earned each quarter. Ask a tax pro about the annualized method.
What if I miss a date? Pay as soon as you can; penalties are based on how late and how much.
Do W-2 workers need this? Usually not, unless they have big untaxed side income. Raising W-4 withholding is another option.
Related template: 2027 Side Hustle Income & Mileage Log. Also see: Side Hustle Income & Expense Tracker
See all Cedar & Ledger templates
Try the free side hustle tax set-aside calculator →
Frequently asked questions
What does this guide cover?
See the 2027 estimated tax due dates, set aside a share of every payment and keep confirmations. Example numbers.
What are the steps?
1) Do you need to pay?; 2) 2027 due dates; 3) Set aside as you earn; 4) Keep the confirmations.
Step 1: Do you need to pay?
The IRS generally expects estimated payments if you'll owe at least $1,000 when you file, after withholding and credits. A common safe-harbor approach is paying in at least as much as last year's total tax (110% if your income was higher), but check the current rules.
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: Self employment tax basics
Also see: W4 withholding checkup 2027