estimated tax payments - Linkenheimer LLP CPAs & Advisors

Don’t Let Q2 Estimate Tax Payments Slip Through Your Fingers

June is here, and you know what that means – Q2 estimated tax payments are knocking on your door like that friend who always shows up right when you’re settling in for a Netflix binge.

The not-so-fun deadline: June 16, 2025 (because June 15th falls on a Sunday, and even the IRS takes weekends off sometimes).

Here’s the thing – we get it. Quarterly payments feel like that recurring meeting you keep meaning to cancel but somehow never do. But here’s why staying on top of them is actually your friend:

For individuals: If you’re self-employed, have investment income, or your withholding isn’t quite covering your tax bill, these payments keep you from facing a surprise party you definitely didn’t plan for come April.

For businesses: Whether you’re a corporation making those estimated payments or managing payroll tax deposits, consistent payments mean better cash flow planning and fewer “why didn’t anyone tell me?” moments.

Pro tip from the trenches: Set up automatic payments through EFTPS or your bank. Future you will thank present you when you’re not scrambling to make payments while juggling client calls and that […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2025-06-14T15:53:09+00:00June 14th, 2025|estimated tax payments|0 Comments

An Essential Tax Deadline is Coming Up

Mark your calendars and stock up on coffee—Tuesday, April 15, 2025, is just around the corner. Yes, it’s that special day when accountants celebrate their “New Year’s Eve,” fueled by spreadsheets, calculators, and an unhealthy amount of caffeine. For taxpayers, it’s the infamous annual filing deadline, but wait—there’s more! It’s also the day the IRS expects your first quarterly estimated tax payment for 2025. That’s right, it’s a double-header of deadlines designed to keep you and your CPA on your toes.

Basic details

You may have to make estimated tax payments for 2025 if you receive interest, dividends, alimony, self-employment income, capital gains, prizes or other income. If you don’t pay enough tax through withholding and estimated payments during the year, you may be liable for a tax penalty on top of the tax that’s ultimately due.

Estimated tax payments help ensure that you don’t wind up owing one large lump sum — and possibly underpayment penalties — at tax time.

When payments are due

Individuals must pay 25% of their “required annual payment” by April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2025-04-10T22:19:26+00:00April 10th, 2025|estimated tax payments, tax deadlines|0 Comments

Estimated Tax Payments: Who Owes Them And When Is The Next One Due?

If you don’t have enough federal tax withheld from your paychecks and other payments, you may have to make estimated tax payments. This is the case if you receive interest, dividends, self-employment income, capital gains or other income. Here are the applicable rules for paying estimated tax without triggering the penalty for underpayment.

When are the payments due?

Individuals must pay 25% of a “required annual payment” by April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year, to avoid an underpayment penalty. If one of those dates falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is due on the next business day.

So the third installment for 2022 is due on Wednesday, September 15. Payments are made using Form 1040-ES.

How much should you pay?

The required annual payment for most individuals is the lower of 90% of the tax shown on the current year’s return or 100% of the tax shown on the return for the previous year. However, if the adjusted gross income on your previous year’s return was more than $150,000 ($75,000 if you’re married filing separately), you must pay the lower of 90% of the tax shown on the […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2022-08-18T17:07:55+00:00August 18th, 2022|estimated tax payments|0 Comments

Calculating Corporate Estimated Tax

The next quarterly estimated tax payment deadline is June 15 for individuals and businesses so it’s a good time to review the rules for computing corporate federal estimated payments. You want your business to pay the minimum amount of estimated taxes without triggering the penalty for underpayment of estimated tax.

Four methods

The required installment of estimated tax that a corporation must pay to avoid a penalty is the lowest amount determined under each of the following four methods:

Under the current year method, a corporation can avoid the estimated tax underpayment penalty by paying 25% of the tax shown on the current tax year’s return (or, if no return is filed, 25% of the tax for the current year) by each of four installment due dates. The due dates are generally April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15 of the following year.
Under the preceding year method, a corporation can avoid the estimated tax underpayment penalty by paying 25% of the tax shown on the return for the preceding tax year by each of four installment due dates. (Note, however, that for 2022, certain corporations can only use the preceding year method […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2022-06-10T20:37:48+00:00June 10th, 2022|estimated tax payments|0 Comments

California Tax Updates from 8/25

Update 1:

Employers in California counties plagued by wildfires get payroll tax relief. The CA Employment Development Dept. (EDD) has announced tax relief for employers in Trinity, Tehama and Shasta Counties, directly affected by the McFarland, Monument and Dixie Fires. Those employers may request up to a 60-day extension of time from the EDD to file their state payroll reports and deposit payroll taxes, without penalty or interest. A written request for an extension must be received within 60 days from the original delinquent date of the payment or return. Here’s more: https://bit.ly/389teWV

Update 2:

If you’re a California resident who owes estimated CA tax payments, your next payment due date is rolling up fast. By Sept. 15, the third installment of your 2021 state tax is due. Generally, you must make estimated payments if you expect to owe at least $500 for 2021, after you subtract withholding or credits you may have, or face penalties. […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2021-08-25T20:12:59+00:00August 25th, 2021|CA tax, california, disaster, estimated tax payments, fire, Fire Relief Info|0 Comments