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Free Tax Tool

Estimated Tax Calculator

Estimate your 2025 federal income tax and NJ Gross Income Tax liability — and calculate how much to pay each quarter to avoid underpayment penalties.

Enter Your Information

Total Box 1 wages from all W-2s

$

Schedule C profit, K-1 ordinary income

$

Net short-term and long-term gains

$

Rental income, interest, dividends, etc.

$

W-2 Box 2 + other federal tax withheld

$

How Quarterly Estimated Taxes Work

If you earn income that is not subject to withholding — self-employment income, rental income, capital gains, or large interest and dividend income — you are generally required to pay federal and NJ estimated taxes quarterly.

When Estimated Taxes Are Due

Federal estimated tax payments (Form 1040-ES) and NJ estimated payments (NJ-1040-ES) are due four times per year:

  • Q1: April 15
  • Q2: June 15
  • Q3: September 15
  • Q4: January 15 of the following year

The Safe Harbor Rule

You avoid the underpayment penalty if you pay at least 100% of your prior year's tax liability (110% if your AGI exceeded $150,000 last year) through withholding and estimated payments. Alternatively, you can pay 90% of your current year's actual liability.

For NJ, the safe harbor is 80% of the current year's tax or 100% of the prior year's tax.

How to Pay

  • Federal: IRS Direct Pay (free) at pay.gov or EFTPS.gov
  • NJ: myNJtax.com (NJ Division of Taxation online portal)

The information provided is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. This content is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code. Tax outcomes depend on your specific facts and circumstances. Viewing this material does not create a CPA-client relationship. Personalized advice is provided only through a signed engagement letter.