If you have not already done so, now is the time to review your tax situation and make an estimated quarterly tax payment using Form 1040-ES. The third quarter due date is now here.
Due date: Friday, Sept. 15, 2023
You are required to withhold at least 90 percent of your 2023 tax obligation or 100 percent of your 2022 obligation.* A quick look at last year’s tax return and a projection of this year’s obligation can help determine if a payment is necessary. Here are some other things to consider:
- Underpayment penalty. If you do not have proper tax withholdings during the year, you could be subject to an underpayment penalty. The penalty can occur if you do not have proper withholdings throughout the year. A quick payment at the end of the year may not help avoid the underpayment penalty.
- W-2 withholdings have special treatment. A W-2 withholding payment can be made at any time during the year and be treated as if it was made throughout the year. If you do not have enough funds to pay the estimated quarterly payment now, you may be able to adjust your W-2 withholdings to make up the difference.
- Self-employed. Remember to pay your Social Security and Medicare taxes in addition to your income taxes. Creating and funding a savings account for this purpose can help avoid the cash flow hit each quarter when you pay your estimated taxes.
- Don’t forget state obligations. You are also normally required to make estimated state tax payments if you’re required to do so for your federal taxes. Consider conducting a review of your state obligations to ensure you meet these quarterly estimated tax payments as well.
*If your income is more than $150,000 ($75,000 if married filing separately), you must pay 110 percent of your 2022 tax obligation to be safe from an underpayment penalty.