For every quarter, the Internal Revenue Service requires taxpayers to make estimated tax payments. If you’re earning income that’s subject to federal income tax withholding, you aren’t required to estimate taxes.
Only those that are earning income that isn’t subject to federal income tax withholding, such as those that are self-employed are required to make estimated tax payments on a quarterly basis. The last quarter of the year marks the end of the tax year, but there is still more to do for the last quarter as far as the estimated taxes are concerned.
The dates for Q4 estimated taxes
The fourth and the last quarter of the year starts on October 1 and ends on December 31. The Internal Revenue Service requires taxpayers to pay Q4’s estimated taxes by January 15, the following year, after the last quarter ends. You have about 15 days after the quarter ends to pay your estimated tax liability for the last quarter. If you have any remaining tax liability after your last estimated tax payment, you’ll have to pay them by April 15. You’ll know if you owe taxes after filing your federal income tax return.
How to pay Q4 estimated tax?
Pay the Q4 estimated tax like you would pay any other tax. The Internal Revenue Service doesn’t have a separate payment channel for making estimated tax payments. Pay your estimated tax payment through the IRS Direct Pay using your bank account or use any payment processor to pay off taxes. While there is no fee for paying taxes with Direct Pay, there is a small fee with payment processors. If you’re making a large payment, consider using Direct Pay as you’ll have to pay a certain percentage of your tax payment in fees if you’re using a credit card. For debit cards, the payment is fixed regardless of the amount you’re paying.