US estimated tax and 1099-NEC for freelancers
Self-employed people in the United States usually pay federal income tax in four estimated payments. For 2026 they are due on 15 April, 15 June and 15 September 2026 and 15 January 2027. Paying 90% of this year’s tax or 100% of last year’s (110% above $150,000 AGI) avoids the underpayment penalty.
Last reviewed 10 November 2026 by ReckonOS research (source check; not yet reviewed by an accountant).
Estimates based on the rules for the United States (federal) as of 10 November 2026. Check with your accountant. Each section below links to the official source it is based on, with the date we checked it. This page is research, not tax advice.
The four 2026 due dates
Form 1040-ES (2026) lists the first payment on April 15, 2026, the second on June 15, 2026, the third on September 15, 2026 and the fourth on January 15, 2027.
If a due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the payment is due on the next business day. The IRS has not yet published the 2027 schedule.
Sources: IRS: Form 1040-ES (2026) (opens in a new tab) (checked 5 November 2026).
Safe harbor: how much is enough
Publication 505 (2026) says the total you must pay is the smaller of 90% of your expected 2026 tax or 100% of the tax shown on your 2025 return, if that return covered all 12 months.
If your 2025 adjusted gross income was more than $150,000 ($75,000 if married filing separately for 2026), use 110% instead of 100%.
Sources: IRS: Publication 505 (2026) (opens in a new tab) (checked 5 November 2026).
1099-NEC: the threshold changed in 2026
For payments through 2025, a business reports nonemployee compensation of $600 or more to a contractor on Form 1099-NEC.
For tax years beginning after 2025, the threshold is $2,000, and it may be adjusted for inflation from 2027. Form 1099-NEC is due on or before January 31.
Sources: IRS: 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC instructions (Rev. April 2025) (opens in a new tab) (checked 5 November 2026); IRS: Instructions for Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC (opens in a new tab) (checked 5 November 2026).
What ReckonOS does with these rules
- Lists the four 2026 estimated-tax periods with their due dates and estimates what to set aside from each payment you receive.
- Shows the prior-year safe harbor (100%, or 110% above $150,000 adjusted gross income) when you enter last year’s tax.
- Tracks payments to each US contractor against the 1099-NEC threshold for the payment year and exports a CSV for filing.
- Does not calculate state or local sales tax: US workspaces invoice with no sales tax. It does not produce 1040-ES vouchers or file returns.
Other countries
United Kingdom · European Union · Germany · Belgium · Canada · Australia · Nigeria
Questions
When are the 2026 estimated tax payments due?
April 15, 2026, June 15, 2026, September 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027, moved to the next business day when a date falls on a weekend or legal holiday.
What is the 1099-NEC threshold for 2026?
$2,000 for payments in tax years beginning after 2025, up from $600. The IRS may adjust it for inflation from 2027.
See the tax to set aside from every payment.
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