Navigating the complexities of estimated tax payments can be daunting. Our latest blog delves into the crucial aspects of this topic, especially in light of recent developments outlined in the IRS Publication 505. Whether you're a business owner, a freelancer, or dealing with various forms of income, understanding estimated tax payments is essential.
What Are Estimated Tax Payments?
Estimated tax payments are a method of paying tax on income that isn't subject to withholding. This includes income from self-employment, interest, dividends, alimony, rent, gains from the sale of assets, prizes, and awards. If your income tax withholding doesn't cover your tax liability, you're typically required to make these payments.
Who Needs to Pay Estimated Taxes?
Individual Taxpayers: This includes sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders. You'll likely need to make estimated tax payments if you expect to owe $1,000 or more when your return is filed.
Corporations: Generally, they need to make estimated tax payments if expecting to owe $500 or more.
Prior Year Tax Considerations: If your previous year's tax was more than zero, you might need to pay the estimated tax for the current year.
Exemptions from Estimated Tax
You don’t have to pay estimated tax for the current year if you meet all three of the following conditions.:
Your last year's tax liability was zero.
You're a U.S. citizen or resident for the whole year.
Your last tax year covered a 12-month period.
How to Calculate Estimated Taxes
To calculate your estimated taxes, you need to estimate your expected adjusted gross income, taxable income, taxes, deductions, and credits. Forms like the 1040-ES for individuals and 1040-ES(NR) for nonresident aliens are used for this purpose.
Tips for Accurate Calculation:
Use your previous year's federal tax return as a starting point.
Reevaluate your earnings periodically and adjust your estimated tax accordingly.
Consider changes in your situation and recent tax law changes.
When and How to Pay
Estimated tax payments are made quarterly, and it's crucial to meet these deadlines to avoid penalties. You have multiple payment options, including mailing with Form 1040-ES, online payments, phone payments, and using the IRS2Go app.
Electronic Payments
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS): Ideal for both individuals and businesses to make all federal tax payments.
Corporations must use EFTPS for depositing payments.
Avoiding Penalties
You may face a penalty for underpayment if you don't pay enough through withholding and estimated tax payments. However, you can avoid this penalty if you owe less than $1,000 in tax after subtracting withholdings and credits, or if you paid at least 90% of the tax for the current year or 100% of the prior year's tax, whichever is smaller.
Special Considerations:
Farmers, fishermen, and certain higher-income taxpayers have special rules.
You may avoid or lower penalties by annualizing your income and making unequal payments.
Waiving Penalties
Penalties for underpayment can be waived if:
The underpayment was due to a casualty, disaster, or other unusual circumstance.
You retired or became disabled during the tax year and the underpayment was due to reasonable cause.