Don’t forget your third quarter tax estimate!

If you have your own business, then you’re probably aware that the third quarter tax estimate is due very soon (Sept 17).

If you just started your business, you may not be aware of how tax estimates work.

Basically, in the United States, we operate on a pay-as-you-go tax system.  That means you pay taxes as you earn income throughout the year.

If you are an employee, you pay taxes through withholding.  If you are self employed, you pay taxes by making estimated tax payments.

The general rule is that you must make estimated tax
payments if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for the current
tax year, after subtracting your withholding and tax credits, AND if
you expect your withholding and tax credits to be less than the
smaller of:

• 90% of the tax liability on your current year
  tax return, or
• 100% of the tax liability on your prior year’s
  tax return

Generally, you will estimate your tax liability for
the entire year and divide that amount by four to determine your
quarterly estimated tax payments.

The due dates for quarterly estimated tax payments are April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15.  If the 15th falls on a weekend or a holiday, the due date is the next business day.

It’s important to send the right amount in at the right time to avoid interest and penalties.

For help estimating your quarterly estimated tax payments, check out How to Pay Estimated Taxes, or contact Kristine for tax planning/estimates today.