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For many individuals, managing taxes goes beyond simply submitting a return once a year. Particularly for those who are self-employed, freelancers, or have significant income from sources other than wages, the need to estimate and pay taxes on a quarterly basis is crucial. This is where the IRS 1040-ES form comes into play. It serves as a guide and tool for calculating and paying estimated taxes four times each year. Understanding this form is essential, not only for compliance with the tax code but also for managing personal cash flow effectively. The form helps in determining the amount owed each quarter, taking into account expected income, dividends, interest, and any eligible deductions or credits. By staying ahead with the IRS 1040-ES, taxpayers can avoid surprises during the annual tax filing season and potentially minimize penalties for underpayment. The form's role in personal finance management, therefore, cannot be understated, as it supports individuals in planning and meeting their tax obligations in a timely manner.

IRS 1040-ES Example

2023

Form 1040-ES

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

Estimated Tax for Individuals

Purpose of This Package

Farmers and fishermen. If at least two-thirds of your

Use Form 1040-ES to figure and pay your estimated tax

gross income for 2022 or 2023 is from farming or fishing,

for 2023.

substitute 662/3% for 90% in (2a) under General Rule.

 

Estimated tax is the method used to pay tax on income

Household employers. When estimating the tax on your

 

2023 tax return, include your household employment

that isn’t subject to withholding (for example, earnings

taxes if either of the following applies.

from self-employment, interest, dividends, rents, alimony,

You will have federal income tax withheld from wages,

etc.). In addition, if you don’t elect voluntary withholding,

you should make estimated tax payments on other

pensions, annuities, gambling winnings, or other income.

You would be required to make estimated tax payments

taxable income, such as unemployment compensation

and the taxable part of your social security benefits.

to avoid a penalty even if you didn’t include household

employment taxes when figuring your estimated tax.

Change of address. If your address has changed, file

Higher income taxpayers. If your adjusted gross

Form 8822, to update your record.

income (AGI) for 2022 was more than $150,000 ($75,000

Future developments. For the latest information about

if your filing status for 2023 is married filing separately),

developments related to Form 1040-ES and its

substitute 110% for 100% in (2b) under General Rule,

instructions, such as legislation enacted after they were

earlier. This rule doesn’t apply to farmers or fishermen.

published, go to IRS.gov/Form1040ES.

Increase Your Withholding

 

 

 

 

Who Must Make Estimated Tax

If you also receive salaries and wages, you may be able to

Payments

avoid having to make estimated tax payments on your

The estimated tax rules apply to:

other income by asking your employer to take more tax

U.S. citizens and resident aliens;

out of your earnings. To do this, file a new Form W-4,

Residents of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,

Employee's Withholding Certificate, with your employer.

Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana

Generally, if you receive a pension or annuity you can

Islands, and American Samoa; and

use Form W-4P, Withholding Certificate for Periodic

Nonresident aliens (use Form 1040-ES (NR)).

Pension or Annuity Payments, to start or change your

General Rule

withholding from these payments.

You can also choose to have federal income tax

In most cases, you must pay estimated tax for 2023 if both

withheld from certain government payments (see Form

of the following apply.

W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request) or from

 

1. You expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for 2023,

 

nonperiodic payments and eligible rollover distributions

after subtracting your withholding and refundable credits.

(see Form W-4R, Withholding Certificate for Nonperiodic

 

2. You expect your withholding and refundable credits

Payments and Eligible Rollover Distributions).

to be less than the smaller of:

 

You can use the Tax Withholding Estimator at

or

a. 90% of the tax to be shown on your 2023 tax return,

TIP

IRS.gov/W4App to determine whether you need

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. 100% of the tax shown on your 2022 tax return.

 

to have your withholding increased or decreased.

 

Additional Information You May Need

Your 2022 tax return must cover all 12 months.

Note. These percentages may be different if you are a

You can find most of the information you will need in Pub.

505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, and in the

farmer, fisherman, or higher income taxpayer. See

instructions for the 2022 Form 1040 and 1040-SR.

Special Rules, later.

For details on how to get forms and publications, see

Exception. You don’t have to pay estimated tax for 2023

the 2022 Instructions for Form 1040.

if you were a U.S. citizen or resident alien for all of 2022

and you had no tax liability for the full 12-month 2022 tax

What's New

year. You had no tax liability for 2022 if your total tax was

In figuring your 2023 estimated tax, be sure to consider

zero or you didn’t have to file an income tax return.

the following.

 

Special Rules

There are special rules for farmers, fishermen, certain household employers, and certain higher income taxpayers.

Standard deduction amount increased. For 2023, the standard deduction amount has been increased for all filers. If you don't itemize your deductions, you can take the 2023 standard deduction listed in the following chart for your filing status.

Nov 02, 2022

Cat. No. 11340T

IF your 2023 filing status is...

THEN your standard

deduction is...

 

Married filing jointly or

$27,700

Qualifying surviving spouse

 

Head of household

$20,800

Single or Married filing separately

$13,850

 

 

 

However, if you can be claimed as a dependent on

another person's 2023 return, your standard deduction is

the greater of:

 

$1,250, or

 

Your earned income plus $400 (up to the standard

deduction amount).

 

 

Your standard deduction is increased by the following

amount if, at the end of 2023, you are:

 

An unmarried individual (single or head of household)

and are:

 

65 or older or blind

$1,850

65 or older and blind

$3,700

affect your refund or balance due. Promptly report changes in your income or family size to your Marketplace. See Form 8962 and its instructions for more information.

Access Your Online Account (Individual Taxpayers Only)

Go to IRS.gov/Account to securely access information about your federal tax account.

View the amount you owe and a breakdown by tax year.

See payment plan details or apply for a new payment plan.

Make a payment, view 5 years of payment history and any pending or scheduled payments.

Access your tax records, including key data from your most recent tax return, your economic impact payment amounts, and transcripts.

View digital copies of select notices from the IRS.

Approve or reject authorization requests from tax professionals.

Update your address or manage your communication preferences.

A married individual (filing jointly or separately) or a qualifying surviving spouse and are:

65 or older or blind

$1,500

65 or older and blind

$3,000

Both spouses 65 or older

$3,000*

Both spouses 65 or older and blind

$6,000*

*Only if married filing jointly. If married filing separately, these

 

amounts do not apply.

 

!

Your standard deduction is zero if (a) your spouse

itemizes on a separate return, or (b) you were a

CAUTION

dual-status alien and you do not elect to be taxed

as a resident alien for 2023.

 

Social security tax. For 2023, the maximum amount of earned income (wages and net earnings from self-employment) subject to the social security tax is $160,200.

Adoption credit or exclusion. For 2023, the maximum adoption credit or exclusion for employer-provided adoption benefits has increased to $15,950. In order to claim either the credit or exclusion, your modified adjusted gross income must be less than $279,230.

Reminders

Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) re- newal. If you were assigned an ITIN before January 1, 2013, or if you have an ITIN that you haven’t included on a tax return in the last 3 consecutive years, you may need to renew it. For more information, see the Instructions for Form W-7.

Advance payments of the premium tax credit. If you buy health care insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you may be eligible for advance payments of the premium tax credit to help pay for your insurance coverage. Receiving too little or too much in advance will

How To Figure Your Estimated Tax

You will need:

The 2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet,

The Instructions for the 2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet,

The 2023 Tax Rate Schedules, and

Your 2022 tax return and instructions to use as a guide to figuring your income, deductions, and credits (but be sure to consider the items listed under What's New, earlier).

Matching estimated tax payments to income. If you receive your income unevenly throughout the year (for example, because you operate your business on a seasonal basis or you have a large capital gain late in the year), you may be able to lower or eliminate the amount of your required estimated tax payment for one or more periods by using the annualized income installment method. See chapter 2 of Pub. 505 for details.

Changing your estimated tax. To amend or correct your estimated tax, see How To Amend Estimated Tax Payments, later.

!

You can’t make joint estimated tax payments if

you or your spouse is a nonresident alien, you are

CAUTION

separated under a decree of divorce or separate

maintenance, or you and your spouse have different tax years.

Additionally, individuals who are in registered domestic partnerships, civil unions, or other similar formal relationships that aren’t marriages under state law cannot make joint estimated tax payments. These individuals can take credit only for the estimated tax payments that they made.

Payment Due Dates

You can pay all of your estimated tax by April 18, 2023, or in four equal amounts by the dates shown below.

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Form 1040-ES (2023)

1st payment

April 18, 2023

2nd payment

June 15, 2023

3rd payment

Sept. 15, 2023

4th payment

Jan. 16, 2024*

*You don’t have to make the payment due January 16, 2024, if you file your 2023 tax return by January 31, 2024, and pay the entire balance due with your return.

If you mail your payment and it is postmarked by the due date, the date of the U.S. postmark is considered the date of payment. If your payments are late or you didn’t pay enough, you may be charged a penalty for underpaying your tax. See When a Penalty Is Applied, later.

You can make more than four estimated tax TIP payments. To do so, make a copy of one of your

unused estimated tax payment vouchers, fill it in, and mail it with your payment. If you make more than four payments, to avoid a penalty, make sure the total of the amounts you pay during a payment period is at least as much as the amount required to be paid by the due date for that period. For other payment methods, see How To Pay Estimated Tax, later.

No income subject to estimated tax during first pay- ment period. If, after March 31, 2023, you have a large change in income, deductions, additional taxes, or credits that requires you to start making estimated tax payments, you should figure the amount of your estimated tax payments by using the annualized income installment method, explained in chapter 2 of Pub. 505. If you use the annualized income installment method, file Form 2210, including Schedule AI, with your 2023 tax return even if no penalty is owed.

Farmers and fishermen. If at least two-thirds of your gross income for 2022 or 2023 is from farming or fishing, you can do one of the following.

Pay all of your estimated tax by January 16, 2024.

File your 2023 Form 1040 or 1040-SR by March 1, 2024, and pay the total tax due. In this case, 2023 estimated tax payments aren’t required to avoid a penalty. Fiscal year taxpayers. You are on a fiscal year if your

12-month tax period ends on any day except December 31. Due dates for fiscal year taxpayers are the 15th day of the 4th, 6th, and 9th months of your current fiscal year and the 1st month of the following fiscal year. If any payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, use the next business day. See Pub. 509, Tax Calendars, for a list of all legal holidays.

Name Change

If you changed your name because of marriage, divorce, etc., and you made estimated tax payments using your former name, attach a statement to the front of your 2023 paper tax return. On the statement, show all of the estimated tax payments you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) made for 2023 and the name(s) and SSN(s) under which you made the payments.

Be sure to report the change to your local Social Security Administration office before filing your 2023 tax

Form 1040-ES (2023)

return. This prevents delays in processing your return and issuing refunds. It also safeguards your future social security benefits. For more details, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (TTY/TDD 800-325-0778).

How To Amend Estimated Tax

Payments

To change or amend your estimated tax payments, refigure your total estimated tax payments due (see the 2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet). Then, to figure the payment due for each remaining payment period, see Amended estimated tax in chapter 2 of Pub. 505. If an estimated tax payment for a previous period is less than one-fourth of your amended estimated tax, you may owe a penalty when you file your return.

When a Penalty Is Applied

In some cases, you may owe a penalty when you file your return. The penalty is imposed on each underpayment for the number of days it remains unpaid. A penalty may be applied if you didn’t pay enough estimated tax for the year or you didn’t make the payments on time or in the required amount. A penalty may apply even if you have an overpayment on your tax return.

The penalty may be waived under certain conditions. See the Instructions for Form 2210 for details.

How To Pay Estimated Tax

Pay Online

Paying online is convenient and secure and helps make sure we get your payments on time. To pay your taxes online or for more information, go to IRS.gov/Payments.

Once you are issued a social security number (SSN), use it when paying your estimated taxes online. Use your SSN even if your SSN does not authorize employment or if you have been issued an SSN that authorizes employment and you lose your employment authorization. An ITIN will not be issued to you once you have been issued an SSN. If you received your SSN after previously using an ITIN, stop using your ITIN. Use your SSN instead.

You can pay using any of the following methods.

Your Online Account. You can now make tax payments through your online account, including balance payments, estimated tax payments, or other types. You can also see your payment history and other tax records there. Go to IRS.gov/Account.

IRS Direct Pay. For online transfers directly from your checking or savings account at no cost to you, go to IRS.gov/Payments.

Pay by Card. To pay by debit or credit card, go to IRS.gov/Payments. A convenience fee is charged by these service providers.

Electronic Fund Withdrawal (EFW) is an integrated e-file/e-pay option offered when filing your federal taxes electronically using tax preparation software, through a tax professional, or the IRS at IRS.gov/Payments.

Online Payment Agreement. If you can’t pay in full by the due date of your tax return, you can apply for an online monthly installment agreement at IRS.gov/Payments.

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Once you complete the online process, you will receive immediate notification of whether your agreement has been approved. A user fee is charged.

Pay by Phone

Paying by phone is another safe and secure method of paying electronically. Use one of the following methods:

(1) call one of the debit or credit card service providers, or

(2) the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). Debit or credit card. Call one of our service providers. Each charges a fee that varies by provider, card type, and payment amount.

ACI Payments, Inc.

888-UPAY-TAXTM (888-872-9829) fed.acipayonline.com

Link2Gov Corporation

888-PAY-1040TM (888-729-1040) www.PAY1040.com

WorldPay US, Inc.

844-PAY-TAX-8TM (844-729-8298) www.payUSAtax.com

EFTPS. To get more information about EFTPS or to enroll in EFTPS, visit EFTPS.gov or call 800-555-4477. To contact EFTPS using Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 711 and then provide the TRS assistant the 800-555-4477 number above or

800-733-4829. Additional information about EFTPS is also available in Pub. 966.

Mobile Device

To pay through your mobile device, download the IRS2Go app.

Pay by Cash

Cash is an in-person payment option for individuals provided through retail partners with a maximum of $1,000 per day per transaction. To make a cash payment, you must first be registered online at fed.acipayonline.com, our official payment provider. Don't send cash payments through the mail.

Pay by Check or Money Order Using the Estimated Tax Payment Voucher

Before submitting a payment through the mail using the estimated tax payment voucher, please consider alternative methods. One of our safe, quick, and easy online payment options might be right for you.

If you choose to mail in your payment, there is a separate estimated tax payment voucher for each due

date. The due date is shown in the upper right corner. Complete and send in the voucher only if you are making a payment by check or money order. If you and your spouse plan to file separate returns, file separate vouchers instead of a joint voucher.

To complete the voucher, do the following.

Print or type your name, address, and SSN in the space provided on the estimated tax payment voucher. Enter your SSN even if your SSN does not authorize employment or if you have been issued an SSN that authorizes employment and you lose your employment authorization. If you have an ITIN, enter it wherever your SSN is requested. An ITIN will not be issued to you once you have been issued an SSN. If you received your SSN after previously using an ITIN, stop using your ITIN. Use your SSN instead. If filing a joint voucher, also enter your spouse's name and SSN. List the names and SSNs in the same order on the joint voucher as you will list them on your joint return.

Enter in the box provided on the estimated tax payment voucher only the amount you are sending in by check or money order. When making payments of estimated tax, be sure to take into account any 2022 overpayment that you choose to credit against your 2023 tax, but don’t include the overpayment amount in this box.

Make your check or money order payable to “United States Treasury.” Don’t send cash. To help process your payment accurately, enter the amount on the right side of the check like this: $ XXX.XX. Don’t use dashes or lines (for example, don’t enter “$ XXX—” or “$ XXX xx/100”).

Enter “2023 Form 1040-ES” and your SSN on your check or money order. If you are filing a joint estimated tax payment voucher, enter the SSN that you will show first on your joint return.

Enclose, but don’t staple or attach, your payment with the estimated tax payment voucher.

Notice to taxpayers presenting checks. When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us either to use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction. When we use information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day we receive your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution.

No checks of $100 million or more accepted. The IRS can’t accept a single check (including a cashier’s check) for amounts of $100,000,000 ($100 million) or more. If you are sending $100 million or more by check, you will need to spread the payment over 2 or more checks with each check made out for an amount less than $100 million. This limit doesn’t apply to other methods of payment (such as electronic payments). Please consider a method of payment other than check if the amount of the payment is over $100 million.

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Form 1040-ES (2023)

Where To File Your Estimated Tax Payment Voucher if Paying by Check or Money Order

Mail your estimated tax payment voucher and check or money order to the address

A foreign country, American Samoa,

Internal Revenue Service

shown below for the place where you live. Do not mail your tax return to this address or

or Puerto Rico (or are excluding

P.O. Box 1303

send an estimated tax payment without a payment voucher. Also, do not mail your

income under Internal Revenue Code

Charlotte, NC 28201-1303

estimated tax payments to the address shown in the Form 1040 instructions. If you

933), or use an APO or FPO address,

 

need more payment vouchers, you can make a copy of one of your unused vouchers.

or file Form 2555 or 4563, or are a

 

 

 

dual-status alien or nonpermanent

 

 

 

resident of Guam or the U.S. Virgin

 

 

 

Islands

 

Caution: For proper delivery of your estimated tax payment to a P.O. box, you must

Guam:

Department of

include the box number in the address. Also, note that only the U.S. Postal Service can

Bona fide residents*

Revenue and Taxation

deliver to P.O. boxes. Therefore, you cannot use a private delivery service to make

 

Government of Guam

estimated tax payments required to be sent to a P.O. box.

 

 

P.O. Box 23607

 

 

 

GMF, GU 96921

IF you live in . . .

THEN send it to . . .

U.S. Virgin Islands:

Virgin Islands Bureau

 

 

Bona fide residents*

of Internal Revenue

 

 

 

6115 Estate Smith Bay

 

 

 

Suite 225

 

 

 

St. Thomas, VI 00802

Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia,

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico,

P.O. Box 1300

 

 

North Carolina, South Carolina,

Charlotte, NC 28201-1300

 

 

Tennessee, Texas

 

 

 

Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware,

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana,

P.O. Box 931100

 

 

Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,

Louisville, KY 40293-1100

 

 

Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri,

 

 

 

New Hampshire, New Jersey, New

 

 

 

York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island,

 

 

 

Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia,

 

 

 

Wisconsin

 

 

 

Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii,

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Montana,

P.O. Box 802502

 

 

Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon,

Cincinnati, OH 45280-2502

 

 

North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South

 

 

 

Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

 

 

 

*Bona fide residents must prepare separate vouchers for estimated income tax and self-employment tax payments. Send the income tax vouchers to the address for bona fide residents and the self-employment tax vouchers to the address for non-bona fide residents.

Instructions for the 2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet

Line 1. Adjusted gross income. When figuring the adjusted gross income you expect in 2023, be sure to consider the items listed under What’s New, earlier. For more details on figuring your AGI, see Expected AGI—Line 1 in chapter 2 of Pub. 505.

If you are self-employed, be sure to take into account the deduction for self-employment tax. Use the 2023 Self-Employment Tax and Deduction Worksheet for Lines 1 and 9 of the Estimated Tax Worksheet to figure the amount to subtract when figuring your expected AGI. This worksheet will also give you the amount to enter on line 9 of your estimated tax worksheet.

Line 7. Credits. See the 2022 Form 1040 or 1040-SR, line 19, and Schedule 3 (Form 1040), lines 1 through 6z, and the related instructions for the types of credits allowed.

Line 9. Self-employment tax. If you and your spouse make joint estimated tax payments and both of you have self-employment income, figure the self-employment tax for each of you separately. Enter the total on line 9. When estimating your 2023 net earnings from self-employment,

be sure to use only 92.35% (0.9235) of your total net profit from self-employment.

Line 10. Other taxes. Use the 2022 Instructions for Form 1040 to determine if you expect to owe, for 2023, any of the taxes that would have been entered on your 2022 Schedule 2 (Form 1040), line 8 through 12 and 14 through 17z (see Exception 2, later). On line 10, enter the total of those taxes, subject to the following two exceptions.

Exception 1. Include household employment taxes from Schedule 2 (Form 1040), line 9, on this line only if:

You will have federal income tax withheld from wages, pensions, annuities, gambling winnings, or other income; or

You would be required to make estimated tax payments (to avoid a penalty) even if you didn’t include household employment taxes when figuring your estimated tax.

If you meet either of the above, include the total of your household employment taxes on line 10.

Exception 2. Because the following taxes are not required to be paid until the due date of your income tax (not including extensions), do not include them on line 10.

Uncollected social security and Medicare or RRTA tax on tips or group-term life insurance (Schedule 2, line 13),

Form 1040-ES (2023)

-5-

2023 Self-Employment Tax and Deduction Worksheet for

Keep for Your Records

Lines 1 and 9 of the Estimated Tax Worksheet

1a. Enter your expected income and profits subject to self-employment tax*

1a.

b.If you will have farm income and also receive social security retirement or disability benefits, enter your expected Conservation Reserve Program payments that will be

 

included on Schedule F (Form 1040) or listed on Schedule K-1 (Form 1065)

b.

 

2.

. . . . . . . . . .Subtract line 1b from line 1a

2.

 

3.

. . . . . . . . . .Multiply line 2 by 92.35% (0.9235)

3.

 

4.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .Multiply line 3 by 2.9% (0.029)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.

Social security tax maximum income

5.

$160,200

6.Enter your expected wages (if subject to social security tax or the 6.2% portion of

 

tier 1 railroad retirement tax)

6.

7.

Subtract line 6 from line 5

7.

 

Note. If line 7 is zero or less, enter -0- on line 9 and skip to line 10.

 

8.

Enter the smaller of line 3 or line 7

8.

9.

Multiply line 8 by 12.4% (0.124)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10.

Add lines 4 and 9. Enter the result here and on line 9 of your 2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11.

Multiply line 10 by 50% (0.50). This is your expected deduction for self-employment tax on

 

 

Schedule 1 (Form 1040), line 15. Subtract this amount when figuring your expected AGI on

11.

 

line 1 of your 2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet

4.

9.

10.

*Your net profit from self-employment is found on Schedule C (Form 1040), line 31; Schedule F (Form 1040), line 34; and Schedule K-1 (Form 1065), box 14, code A.

Recapture of federal mortgage subsidy (Schedule 2, line 17b),

Excise tax on excess golden parachute payments (Schedule 2, line 17k),

Excise tax on insider stock compensation from an expatriated corporation (Schedule 2, line 17m), and

Look-back interest under section 167(g) or 460(b) (Schedule 2, line 17n).

Additional Medicare Tax. For information about the Additional Medicare Tax, see the Instructions for Form 8959.

Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT). For information about the Net Investment Income Tax, see the Instructions for Form 8960.

Repayment of first-time homebuyer credit. You must repay the first-time homebuyer credit if you bought the home in 2008.

For details about repaying the first-time homebuyer credit, see the Instructions for Form 5405.

Line 12b. Prior year's tax. Enter the 2022 tax you figure according to the instructions in Figuring your 2022 tax unless you meet one of the following exceptions.

If the AGI shown on your 2022 return is more than $150,000 ($75,000 if married filing separately for 2023), enter 110% of your 2022 tax as figured next.

Note. This doesn’t apply to farmers or fishermen.

If you will file a joint return for 2023 but you didn’t file a joint return for 2022, add the tax shown on your 2022 return to the tax shown on your spouse's 2022 return and enter the total on line 12b.

If you filed a joint return for 2022 but you will not file a joint return for 2023, first figure the tax both you and your spouse would have paid had you filed separate returns for 2022 using the same filing status as for 2023. Then multiply the tax on the joint return by a fraction, the numerator being the tax you would have paid had you filed a separate return, over the total tax you and your spouse would have paid had you filed separate returns. Enter this amount on line 12b.

If you didn’t file a return for 2022 or your 2022 tax year was less than 12 full months, don’t complete line 12b. Instead, enter the amount from line 12a on line 12c.

Figuring your 2022 tax. Use the following instructions to figure your 2022 tax.

The tax shown on your 2022 Form 1040 or 1040-SR is the amount on Form 1040 or 1040-SR, line 24, reduced by:

1.Unreported social security and Medicare tax or RRTA tax from Schedule 2 (Form 1040), lines 5 and 6;

2.Any tax included on Schedule 2 (Form 1040), line 8, on excess contributions to an IRA, Archer MSA, Coverdell education savings account, health savings account, ABLE account, or on excess accumulations in qualified retirement plans;

3.Amounts on Schedule 2 (Form 1040) as listed under Exception 2, earlier; and

4.Any refundable credit amounts on Form 1040 or 1040-SR, lines 27, 28, and 29 and Schedule 3 (Form 1040), lines 9, 12, 13b, 13d, and 13h.

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Form 1040-ES (2023)

2023 Tax Rate Schedules

Caution. Don’t use these Tax Rate Schedules to figure your 2022 taxes. Use only to figure your 2023 estimated taxes.

Schedule X—Use if your 2023 filing status is

 

Schedule Z—Use if your 2023 filing status is

 

 

Single

 

 

 

 

 

Head of household

 

 

 

 

If line 3

 

The tax is:

 

 

 

If line 3

 

The tax is:

 

 

 

is:

 

 

 

of the

is:

 

 

 

of the

 

But not

 

 

 

 

But not

 

 

 

Over—

 

 

 

amount

Over—

 

 

 

amount

over—

 

 

 

over—

over—

 

 

 

over—

$0

$11,000

$-----------1,100.00

+

10%

$0

$0

$15,700

$-----------1,570.00

+

10%

$0

11,000

44,725

+

12%

11,000

15,700

59,850

+

12%

15,700

44,725

95,375

5,147.00

+

22%

44,725

59,850

95,350

6,868.00

+

22%

59,850

95,375

182,100

16,290.00

+

24%

95,375

95,350

182,100

14,678.00

+

24%

95,350

182,100

231,250

37,104.00

+

32%

182,100

182,100

231,250

35,498.00

+

32%

182,100

231,250

578,125

52,832.00

+

35%

231,250

231,250

578,100

51,226.00

+

35%

231,250

578,125

-----------

174,238.25

+

37%

578,125

578,100

-----------

172,623.50

+

37%

578,100

Schedule Y-1— Use if your 2023 filing status is

 

Schedule Y-2—Use if your 2023 filing status is

 

Married filing jointly or Qualifying surviving spouse

Married filing separately

 

 

 

 

If line 3

 

The tax is:

 

 

 

If line 3

 

The tax is:

 

 

 

is:

 

 

 

 

of the

is:

 

 

 

 

of the

 

But not

 

 

 

 

But not

 

 

 

Over—

 

 

 

amount

Over—

 

 

 

amount

over—

 

 

 

over—

over—

 

 

 

over—

$0

$22,000

$-----------2,200.00

+

10%

$0

$0

$11,000

$1,100.00---------

+

10%

$0

22,000

89,450

+

12%

22,000

11,000

44,725

+

12%

11,000

89,450

190,750

10,294.00

+

22%

89,450

44,725

95,375

5,147.00

+

22%

44,725

190,750

364,200

32,580.00

+

24%

190,750

95,375

182,100

16,290.00

+

24%

95,375

364,200

462,500

74,208.00

+

32%

364,200

182,100

231,250

37,104.00

+

32%

182,100

462,500

693,750

105,664.00

+

35%

462,500

231,250

346,875

52,832.00

+

35%

231,250

693,750

---------

186,601.50

+

37%

693,750

346,875

-----------

93,300.75

+

37%

346,875

Form 1040-ES (2023)

-7-

2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet

Keep for Your Records

1

Adjusted gross income you expect in 2023 (see instructions)

2a

Deductions

 

• If you plan to itemize deductions, enter the estimated total of your itemized deductions.

}

 

• If you don’t plan to itemize deductions, enter your standard deduction.

bIf you can take the qualified business income deduction, enter the estimated amount of the deduction

c Add lines 2a and 2b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 Subtract line 2c from line 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4Tax. Figure your tax on the amount on line 3 by using the 2023 Tax Rate Schedules.

Caution: If you will have qualified dividends or a net capital gain, or expect to exclude or deduct foreign earned income or housing, see Worksheets 2-5 and 2-6 in Pub. 505 to figure the tax . . . . . . .

5 Alternative minimum tax from Form 6251 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6Add lines 4 and 5. Add to this amount any other taxes you expect to include in the total on Form 1040

or 1040-SR, line 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Credits (see instructions). Do not include any income tax withholding on this line

8

Subtract line 7 from line 6. If zero or less, enter -0-

9

Self-employment tax (see instructions)

10

Other taxes (see instructions)

11a

Add lines 8 through 10

bEarned income credit, additional child tax credit, fuel tax credit, net premium tax credit, refundable

 

American opportunity credit, and section 1341 credit

c

Total 2023 estimated tax. Subtract line 11b from line 11a. If zero or less, enter -0-

12a

Multiply line 11c by 90% (662/3% for farmers and fishermen)

 

12a

 

 

 

b

Required annual payment based on prior year’s tax (see instructions) . . .

 

12b

 

cRequired annual payment to avoid a penalty. Enter the smaller of line 12a or 12b . . . . . .

Caution: Generally, if you do not prepay (through income tax withholding and estimated tax payments) at least the amount on line 12c, you may owe a penalty for not paying enough estimated tax. To avoid a penalty, make sure your estimate on line 11c is as accurate as possible. Even if you pay the required annual payment, you may still owe tax when you file your return. If you prefer, you can pay the amount shown on line 11c. For details, see chapter 2 of Pub. 505.

13Income tax withheld and estimated to be withheld during 2023 (including income tax withholding on

 

pensions, annuities, certain deferred income, etc.)

 

 

 

14a

Subtract line 13 from line 12c

14a

 

 

Is the result zero or less?

 

 

 

Yes. Stop here. You are not required to make estimated tax payments.

 

 

 

No. Go to line 14b.

 

 

b

Subtract line 13 from line 11c

14b

 

 

Is the result less than $1,000?

 

 

Yes. Stop here. You are not required to make estimated tax payments.

No. Go to line 15 to figure your required payment.

15If the first payment you are required to make is due April 18, 2023, enter ¼ of line 14a (minus any 2022 overpayment that you are applying to this installment) here, and on your estimated tax payment

voucher(s) if you are paying by check or money order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

2a

2b

2c

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11a

11b

11c

12c

13

15

Form 1040-ES (2023)

-8-

Record of Estimated Tax Payments (Farmers, fishermen, and fiscal year taxpayers, see Payment Due Dates.)

Keep for Your Records

Payment number

Payment

 

 

(c) Check or

(d) Amount paid

(e) 2022

(f) Total amount

(a) Amount

(b) Date

money order number, or

due

(do not include

overpayment

paid and credited

due

paid

credit or debit card

date

any convenience fee)

credit applied

(add (d) and (e))

 

 

confirmation number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

4/18/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

6/15/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

9/15/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

1/16/2024*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

* You do not have to make this payment if you file your 2023 tax return by January 31, 2024, and pay the entire balance due with your return.

Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice. We ask for this information to carry out the tax laws of the United States. We need it to figure and collect the right amount of tax. Our legal right to ask for this information is Internal Revenue Code section 6654, which requires that you pay your taxes in a specified manner to avoid being penalized. Additionally, sections 6001, 6011, and 6012(a) and their regulations require you to file a return or statement for any tax for which you are liable; section 6109 requires you to provide your identifying number. Failure to provide this information, or providing false or fraudulent information, may subject you to penalties.

You are not required to provide the information requested on a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law. Generally, tax returns and return information are confidential, as stated in Code section 6103.

We may disclose the information to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to other federal agencies, as provided by law.

We may disclose it to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths or possessions to carry out their tax laws. We may also disclose this information to other countries under a tax treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce federal nontax criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism.

If you do not file a return, do not give the information asked for, or give fraudulent information, you may be charged penalties and be subject to criminal prosecution.

Please keep this notice with your records. It may help you if we ask you for other information. If you have any questions about the rules for filing and giving information, please call or visit any Internal Revenue Service office.

The average time and expenses required to complete and file this form will vary depending on individual circumstances. For the estimated averages, see the instructions for your income tax return.

If you have suggestions for making this package simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. See the instructions for your income tax return.

Tear off here

Pay online at www.irs.gov/ etpay

Simple.

Fast.

Secure.

Form

1040-ES

 

 

2023 Estimated Tax

Payment

4

OMB No. 1545-0074

 

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

Voucher

 

 

Department of the Treasury

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

File only if you are making a payment of estimated tax by check or money order. Mail this

Calendar year—Due Jan. 16, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

voucher with your check or money order payable to “United States Treasury.” Write your

Amount of estimated tax you are paying

social security number and “2023 Form 1040-ES” on your check or money order. Do not send

by check or

 

 

 

 

cash. Enclose, but do not staple or attach, your payment with this voucher.

money order.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your first name and middle initial

Your last name

 

 

Your social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If joint payment, complete for spouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or type

Spouse’s first name and middle initial

Spouse’s last name

 

 

Spouse’s social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address (number, street, and apt. no.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City, town, or post office. If you have a foreign address, also complete spaces below.

State

 

 

 

ZIP code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign country name

 

Foreign province/county

 

 

Foreign postal code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see instructions.

Form 1040-ES (2023)

-9-

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

-10-

Document Specifics

Fact Name Description
Purpose of Form 1040-ES Used by individuals to estimate and pay their federal income tax on income that is not subject to withholding taxes. This includes self-employment income, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Payment Frequency Taxpayers must make estimated tax payments quarterly. The due dates are typically April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
Who Needs to File Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders, generally need to file if they expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for the year after subtracting their withholdings and credits.
How to Calculate The form includes a worksheet that helps taxpayers estimate their tax for the year. This involves calculating expected adjusted gross income, taxable income, taxes, deductions, and credits.
Governing Laws Federal income tax laws govern the use of Form 1040-ES. These laws are set by the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and regulated by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Guide to Writing IRS 1040-ES

After determining that you need to make estimated tax payments, the next crucial step involves filling out the IRS 1040-ES form. This form is designed for individuals to calculate and submit their estimated taxes for the year. It's a process that ensures you pay as you earn throughout the year, aiding in the management of your financial obligations in a timely manner. The following instructions will guide you through this process, ensuring clarity and accuracy in your submission.

  1. Gather all necessary income documentation, such as earnings from employment, interest, dividends, and any other sources of income. This will be essential for accurately calculating your estimated tax.
  2. Locate the current year's IRS 1040-ES form. This can be found on the IRS website under the forms section or by searching for "1040-ES" directly.
  3. Use the income figures collected to fill in the Estimated Tax Worksheet found within the 1040-ES instructions. This worksheet will help calculate the amount of estimated tax you owe for the year.
  4. Enter your name, address, and Social Security number in the designated areas at the top of the form. If you are filing jointly with a spouse, include their information as well.
  5. Determine the amount of estimated tax you owe for the current year by completing the worksheet. Write this amount in the payment voucher section if you plan to mail your payment.
  6. If you prefer to make payments electronically, visit the IRS Direct Pay website. Here, you can submit your estimated payments without having to fill out the payment vouchers.
  7. Keep a copy of the form and any payment confirmation for your records. It's crucial to have a document trail for reference or in case of inquiries from the IRS.

By closely following these steps, you will successfully navigate the process of submitting your estimated taxes using the IRS 1040-ES form. This proactive approach not only helps in managing your tax obligations but also in avoiding potential penalties for underpayment. Remember, maintaining accurate records and staying informed about tax law changes can further ensure your financial health throughout the year.

Understanding IRS 1040-ES

  1. What is the IRS 1040-ES form used for?

    The IRS 1040-ES form is designed for individuals to calculate and pay their estimated tax on income that's not subject to withholding taxes. This includes earnings from self-employment, interest, dividends, alimony, rent, and gains from the sale of assets. It's a way for taxpayers to cover their expected tax liability throughout the year, rather than paying a lump sum at tax time.

  2. Who needs to file the IRS 1040-ES form?

    Not everyone is required to file the 1040-ES form. It's primarily for those who expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes after subtracting their withholdings and credits, and who expect their withholding and refundable credits to be less than the smaller of 90% of the tax to be shown on their current year's tax return or 100% of the tax shown on the previous year's return. Common filers include self-employed individuals, investors, and retirees who do not have taxes automatically withheld from their income sources.

  3. How often should the 1040-ES payment be made?

    Estimated tax payments should be made quarterly. The year is divided into four payment periods, and each period has a specific payment due date. Typically, these due dates fall on April 15th, June 15th, September 15th, and January 15th of the following year. It's important to meet these deadlines to avoid potential penalties for late payments.

  4. How can I calculate my estimated taxes using the 1040-ES form?

    To calculate your estimated taxes, you'll need to estimate your expected adjusted gross income, taxable income, taxes, deductions, and credits for the year. The 1040-ES form includes a worksheet that helps you calculate this amount. It takes into account current year's tax rates, credits, and deductions. You might also need your prior year's tax return to correctly estimate your taxes.

  5. Can I make my 1040-ES payments electronically?

    Yes, you can make your 1040-ES payments electronically using the IRS Direct Pay system for free from your checking or savings account. Other options include paying by credit or debit card, though fees may apply. Furthermore, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) is another option, particularly useful for businesses or individuals who plan to make payments throughout the year.

  6. What happens if I do not make my estimated tax payments?

    If you don't make your estimated tax payments, or if you pay late, you might incur penalties. The IRS charges interest on unpaid taxes. The penalty amount depends on how much you owe and how late your payments are. To avoid penalties, it's crucial to make payments on time and ensure they're sufficient to cover your tax liability for the year.

  7. Can I adjust my estimated tax payments if my income changes?

    Absolutely. If your income changes significantly during the year, you can and should adjust your estimated tax payments to reflect this change. This might mean increasing your payments if you earn more than expected, or decreasing them if you earn less. Adjusting your payments can help prevent you from paying more than necessary or facing a large tax bill and potential penalties at tax time.

Common mistakes

Filling out the IRS 1040-ES form, which is essential for estimating yearly taxes for individuals who are self-employed or do not have taxes automatically withheld, can be a tricky process. It's easy to make mistakes. Here are seven common missteps people often encounter:

  1. Not updating personal information. Tax situations can change due to life events like marriage, divorce, or a child's birth. Ensuring current personal information is crucial for accurate tax calculations.

  2. Incorrectly estimating income. The 1040-ES form requires an estimate of the year's income. Underestimating can lead to underpayment penalties, while overestimating may tie up unnecessary funds.

  3. Failing to account for all sources of income. It's a common error to overlook or underestimate income from side hustles, investments, or freelance work.

  4. Miscalculating deductions. Overlooking eligible deductions or misunderstanding what can be deducted can significantly impact the estimated taxes owed.

  5. Not making adjustments for tax credits. Tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, can lower the total amount of taxes due. These should be carefully factored into the calculations.

  6. Missing quarterly payment deadlines. The IRS requires payments to be made quarterly. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties for late payment.

  7. Ignoring state tax requirements. In addition to federal taxes, many individuals are also responsible for state taxes. Neglecting state tax estimates can lead to unexpected liabilities.

By being mindful of these common errors and taking the time to accurately complete the IRS 1040-ES form, individuals can avoid unnecessary headaches and financial penalties. Always consider consulting with a tax professional to ensure accuracy and compliance with current tax laws.

Documents used along the form

When preparing taxes, especially for those who are self-employed or have multiple streams of income, the IRS 1040-ES form becomes vital for calculating and paying estimated quarterly taxes. However, this form doesn't work in isolation. A number of additional documents are often needed to accurately report income, deductions, and ultimately determine the estimated taxes due each quarter. Here is a look at five other forms and documents commonly used alongside the IRS 1040-ES.

  • Form 1040: This is the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return form. It's the main form used by individuals to file their annual income tax returns. It provides the comprehensive income and tax information needed to calculate your estimated taxes for the upcoming quarters.
  • Schedule C (Form 1040): For those who are self-employed or run a sole proprietorship, Schedule C is used to report profits or losses from a business. This information directly impacts the amount of estimated tax that needs to be paid.
  • Schedule SE (Form 1040): Self-Employment Tax is calculated on this form. It's critical for self-employed individuals because it determines the amount of Social Security and Medicare taxes payable, which also influences estimated tax calculations.
  • Schedule D (Form 1040): Used to report capital gains or losses from the sale of assets, Schedule D can significantly affect your tax liability. It's crucial for calculating the correct amount of estimated tax, especially if you have investment income.
  • W-2 and 1099 Forms: These forms report income earned from employment (W-2) and other sources such as freelancing, interest, dividends, and more (1099s). They are essential for determining total annual income and, by extension, estimated tax payments.

Beyond these forms, individuals may need to consult various records on expenses, deductions, and credits to accurately calculate their estimated taxes. Each piece of documentation plays a role in the larger puzzle of tax preparation. By understanding and properly using these forms in conjunction with the IRS 1040-ES, taxpayers can ensure they meet their obligations and avoid underpayment penalties. Keeping accurate and detailed records throughout the year will greatly simplify this process, providing peace of mind and financial clarity.

Similar forms

The IRS 1040-ES form, essential for estimating taxes for individuals who do not have their taxes automatically withheld, shares similarities with various other tax documents. One such document is the IRS W-4 form. The W-4 primarily serves employees to declare their tax withholding preferences to their employers. Both forms cater to forecasting taxes owed, with the 1040-ES focusing on those without automatic withholding and the W-4 providing employees a way to adjust withholding based on their anticipated tax liabilities.

Similarly, the 1099-MISC form connects to the 1040-ES in the broader context of tax preparation for individuals with income not traditionally subjected to withholding, such as freelance or contract work. The 1099-MISC records any payments received as an independent contractor. Individuals receiving this form often use the 1040-ES to calculate and pay their estimated taxes throughout the year, ensuring compliance with tax obligations for non-wage incomes.

The Schedule C (Form 1040) is another document intertwined with the 1040-ES. Schedule C is utilized by sole proprietors to report profits or losses from their business activities. This detailed accounting of business income closely relates to the 1040-ES as self-employed individuals need to estimate and pay taxes quarterly on the business profit reported via Schedule C, making the accurate preparation of both forms critical.

The Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return, or Form 720, parallels the 1040-ES under the prism of periodic tax payments. While the 1040-ES pertains to estimated income tax, Form 720 deals with the excise taxes certain businesses must pay on specific goods, services, and activities. The concept of paying taxes quarterly forms the bridge between these documents, underscoring the government's structured approach to tax collection throughout the year.

Last, the IRS Form 4868, which is an application for automatic extension of time to file U.S. individual income tax returns, shares a functional relationship with the 1040-ES. Form 4868 does not extend the time for payment of taxes due but allows additional time for completing and filing the tax return. Taxpayers making use of Form 4868 might still need to estimate and pay any owed taxes by the usual deadline via the 1040-ES to avoid penalties, bridging the practical application of both documents in tax planning and compliance.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the IRS 1040-ES form, taxpayers are navigating the process of estimating their taxes for the year. It's crucial to approach this task with diligence and accuracy. Below are essential do's and don'ts to help guide you through this process.

Do:

  1. Review the form instructions carefully. Each section provides detailed guidance that assists in accurately completing the form.
  2. Keep records of all estimated tax payments made during the year. These records are essential for preparing your tax return.
  3. Use the worksheet provided in the 1040-ES instructions to calculate your estimated tax accurately. This worksheet helps to consider income, deductions, and credits.
  4. Consider changes in your financial situation. If your income or deductions significantly change, adjust your estimated payments accordingly.
  5. Make payments by the due dates. The IRS specifies due dates for estimated tax payments, typically in four installments throughout the year.
  6. Use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or IRS Direct Pay for secure and efficient payment submission.
  7. Consult a tax professional if you have questions about your situation. Tax laws can be complex, and professional advice is invaluable.

Don't:

  • Underestimate your income. Failing to accurately estimate your income can result in underpayment penalties.
  • Ignore changes in tax law. Tax laws change, and these changes can affect your estimated taxes.
  • Forget to account for all sources of income. This includes self-employment, investment, and rental income.
  • Miss deadlines. Late payments may lead to penalties and interest charges.
  • Overlook the need to adjust your estimated payments after a major life event, like getting married or having a child.
  • Rely solely on last year’s figures. While previous years can guide, your current year’s finances might be different.
  • Disregard state estimated tax requirements. Many states also require estimated tax payments, separate from federal taxes.

Misconceptions

When it comes to filing taxes, understanding the purpose and usage of different forms can often be confusing. Among these, the IRS 1040-ES form, which is used for estimated tax payments, is frequently misunderstood. It's important to clarify some common misconceptions to ensure taxpayers can navigate their responsibilities with confidence.

  • Only Self-Employed People Need to File It: A prevalent misunderstanding is that the 1040-ES form is exclusively for those who are self-employed. While it's true that many self-employed individuals make estimated tax payments using this form, it's also necessary for anyone who expects to owe at least $1,000 in taxes when their return is filed. This could include investors, retirees, and others who have income not subject to withholding.

  • Estimated Payments Are Optional: Some people believe that making payments with the 1040-ES is optional. However, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes, using this form to make estimated tax payments is required by law. Failure to make these payments, or underpaying, can result in penalties and interest charges. It's a system designed to help individuals manage their tax liability throughout the year.

  • You Must Pay the Same Amount Each Quarter: Another common myth is that each estimated payment must be the same amount. Although many find it easier to divide their estimated tax liability by four to make equal payments, the IRS allows taxpayers to adjust their payments. If your income varies throughout the year, you can calculate your payments to match your income, potentially avoiding overpayment or underpayment.

  • Once You Start Filing, You Can't Stop: Some might think that once you begin filing the 1040-ES, you're obligated to continue using it for life. This is not the case. Your duty to file estimated tax payments can change from year to year, depending on your expected tax liability and income situation. If your circumstances change—such as becoming an employee with sufficient tax withholding—you may not need to file the 1040-ES that year.

Understanding the specifics of the IRS 1040-ES form can save individuals from unnecessary stress and financial strain. By dispelling these misconceptions, taxpayers can better manage their estimated tax payments and avoid penalties. If in doubt, consulting with a tax professional can provide personalized guidance based on your unique financial situation.

Key takeaways

Filling out the IRS 1040-ES form is an important process for individuals who need to pay estimated taxes throughout the year. This form is used by those who do not have their taxes automatically withheld by an employer, such as self-employed individuals, or those who have additional income that isn't subject to withholding. Here are some key takeaways to help you understand and navigate the process of using the IRS 1040-ES form:

  • Determine your need to file: Before you start, figure out if you need to make estimated tax payments. This might be the case if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes after subtracting your withholding and refundable credits.
  • Calculate your estimated tax: You'll need to estimate your adjusted gross income, taxable income, taxes, deductions, and credits for the year. The 1040-ES includes a worksheet to help with these calculations.
  • Understand the payment schedule: Estimated tax payments are due quarterly. The deadlines are usually April 15, June 15, September 15 of the current year, and January 15 of the following year. Missing a deadline can result in penalties.
  • Make payments electronically: While you can mail your payment along with the 1040-ES payment voucher, using the IRS Direct Pay system online is faster and more secure. You can also use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).
  • Keep records of your payments: Whether you pay online or by mail, keeping detailed records of your estimated tax payments is crucial. You’ll need this information when you file your annual tax return.
  • Adjust your payments if needed: If your income changes significantly during the year, you may need to recalculate your estimated tax. This ensures you're not underpaying or overpaying.
  • Consider using tax software or a professional: If calculating your estimated tax seems overwhelming, using tax preparation software or consulting with a tax professional can help. They can provide guidance and ensure accuracy.
  • Understand the consequences of not paying estimated taxes: Failing to pay estimated taxes, or underpaying, can result in penalties. It’s important to make your payments as accurate as possible and on time.
  • Check your eligibility for waivers or exceptions: In some cases, such as retired individuals or those who experienced a disaster, illness, or other unusual circumstances, the IRS may waive penalty fees. Review the IRS guidelines to see if you qualify for any waivers.

By keeping these key points in mind, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the estimated tax process using the IRS 1040-ES form. Remember, staying informed and proactive about your taxes can help you avoid unexpected surprises down the road.

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