The deadline for making estimated tax payments for the fourth quarter of 2025 falls on Thursday. Missing this deadline may lead to penalties and interest on any unpaid taxes.
Typically, individuals owe a specific amount for income not subject to withholding—this includes earnings from self-employment, contracts, freelance gigs, or even the gig economy. Many also account for investment income, such as year-end capital gains and potential bonuses.
According to Tom Oseven, who heads tax content and government relations at the National Association of Tax Professionals, the January deadline offers a chance for taxpayers to catch up on their taxes for 2025.
The quarterly tax deadlines for 2025 are set for April 15, June 16, September 15, and January 15, 2026. Experts note that these deadlines don’t align perfectly with calendar quarters, possibly leading to oversight.
The January 15 deadline comes as the IRS plans to start accepting individual tax returns for 2025 on January 26.
Some workers might find themselves eligible for larger tax refunds this season due to changes brought about by President Trump’s legislation known as the “Big and Beautiful Bill.” This law encompasses enhanced basic deductions, a new $6,000 tax break for seniors, and various benefits for tips and overtime pay.
However, according to Garrett Watson, director of policy analysis at the Tax Foundation, the actual refund amount will vary depending on which specific provisions apply to each individual’s circumstances.
For instance, he noted that deductions for tips and overtime can be considerably larger than those for other, more minor items that might impact a broader group of taxpayers.
It’s worth mentioning that refunds and any outstanding taxes are also influenced by payroll withholding. Generally, there haven’t been major changes in estimated tax payments following the recent tax bill.
How to pay quarterly taxes
To avoid underpayment penalties by the IRS, you can take advantage of what’s known as “safe harbor.” This means paying at least 90% of your 2025 taxes or 100% of your 2024 taxes, whichever is lower.
If your adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 in 2024, that threshold shifts to 110%. You can refer to line 11 of your 2024 tax return for specifics.
Experts also caution that while it might be possible to sidestep penalties through safe harbor, you could still end up owing additional taxes in 2025 after filing your return.
Hastening to electronic payment is advised, as the IRS calls it the safest, quickest, and easiest way to handle payments. Utilizing your IRS online account is a good starting point; it carries essential information for the upcoming tax season. Additional payment options include direct payment or the federal electronic tax payment system.
Though paper checks will still be accepted, plans are in place to gradually phase them out. Electronic payments will encompass both refunds and payments to the IRS.
“Can individuals still submit a voucher with a paper check? It seems the answer is yes,” Oseven noted. “But what about a grace period?”
