What's the easiest way to pay quarterly taxes?

For most freelancers, IRS Direct Pay is the simplest: it's free, needs no enrollment, and pays directly from your bank account at directpay.irs.gov. EFTPS is a good free alternative if you want to schedule payments in advance.

Do I need to file a form to pay estimated taxes?

If you pay electronically through IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS, no paper form is required — you just select 'estimated tax' and the year. If you pay by mail, include a Form 1040-ES payment voucher with your check.

Do I pay state quarterly taxes separately?

Usually yes. Most states with an income tax collect their own quarterly estimated payments through the state's tax website, separately from your federal payment.

Freelancer tax guide

How to pay quarterly taxes as a freelancer

Updated for 2026 · About a 5-minute read · Not tax advice

You know you owe estimated taxes — now here's exactly how to send them. The whole thing takes about five minutes once you know the steps.

The fast path

Figure your amount → go to IRS Direct Pay (directpay.irs.gov) → choose "Estimated Tax" for 2026 → pay from your bank account, free. Save the confirmation number. Then do the same for your state if it has income tax.

Step by step

Figure out how much to pay

If you've been setting aside 25–30% of your net profit, you likely already have the number — send roughly a quarter of your annual estimate. Otherwise, the IRS Form 1040-ES worksheet walks you through it, or use the free calculator to get a set-aside figure. (Not sure on the percentage? See how much to set aside.)

Pick how you'll pay

You have several free and paid options:

Method	Good to know
IRS Direct Pay	Free. No sign-up. Pays straight from your checking/savings. Easiest for most freelancers. directpay.irs.gov
EFTPS	Free. Requires enrolling in advance, but lets you schedule all four payments ahead of time. Great once you're set up. eftps.gov
IRS2Go app	Free. The IRS mobile app — pay from your phone via Direct Pay.
Debit / credit card	Works through an approved processor, but charges a fee. Fine in a pinch; not the cheapest.
Check by mail	Mail a check with a Form 1040-ES voucher. Slowest, and you'll want proof of mailing.

Make the payment before the deadline

Whichever electronic method you choose, select "Estimated Tax (1040-ES)" and the tax year 2026 so it's applied correctly. Pay on or before the quarter's due date (next up: September 15, 2026).

Don't forget your state

Most states with an income tax collect their own quarterly estimated payments, separately, through the state's Department of Revenue website. Pay federal, then repeat the process for your state.

Keep the receipt

Save the confirmation number (screenshot or email). You'll want a record of each payment when you file your annual return so you get credit for everything you paid.

First time? Set a calendar reminder a week before each of the four dates. The payment itself is quick — it's remembering that trips people up.

Know your number before every deadline.

Stashly tracks your income and expenses and tells you exactly what to pay each quarter — with the due dates and a savings log built in. Works in Excel & Google Sheets.

Get Stashly — $14

Frequently asked

Which payment method is best?

For most freelancers, IRS Direct Pay — free, no account, done in a couple of minutes. Move to EFTPS once you want to schedule payments ahead.

What if I can't pay the full amount?

Pay what you can by the deadline to reduce penalties and interest, then catch up as soon as possible. Something beats nothing.

Stashly is a self-help planning tool, not a CPA, accountant, or tax advisor, and does not provide tax, legal, or financial advice. Payment methods and forms are described for general guidance and can change — confirm current details at irs.gov and with a qualified tax professional.