Free IRS 1040-ES Form in PDF

Free IRS 1040-ES Form in PDF

The IRS 1040-ES form is a document used by taxpayers to estimate and pay their taxes on income not subject to withholding, such as earnings from self-employment, interest, dividends, and rent. This crucial tax form enables individuals to stay compliant with the IRS by making quarterly estimated tax payments. To avoid penalties and ensure you're on the right track with your taxes, click the button below to fill out your IRS 1040-ES form accurately and on time.

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When navigating the complex waters of individual income taxation, a beacon for those who need to square their dues with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ahead of time is the IRS 1040-ES form. Primarily designed for individuals to calculate and pay estimated taxes on income not subject to withholding, this form serves a crucial role in the financial planning landscape. Whether you're a freelancer, a sole proprietor of a small business, or simply have a diversified portfolio that generates income throughout the year, understanding how this form impacts your tax responsibilities is critical. It embodies the principle of "pay as you go," ensuring that taxpayers meet their obligations in a timely manner and avoid potential penalties for underpayment. The IRS 1040-ES encompasses various income types, including earnings from self-employment, interest, dividends, and more, making it a versatile tool in the taxpayer's toolkit. Through careful quarterly payments calculated with this form, taxpayers can manage their cash flows more effectively, aligning their tax payments with the receipt of income throughout the year.

Preview - IRS 1040-ES Form

2023

Form 1040-ES

Department of the Treasury

Internal Revenue Service

Estimated Tax for Individuals

Purpose of This Package

Farmers and fishermen. If at least two-thirds of your

Use Form 1040-ES to figure and pay your estimated tax

gross income for 2022 or 2023 is from farming or fishing,

for 2023.

substitute 662/3% for 90% in (2a) under General Rule.

 

Estimated tax is the method used to pay tax on income

Household employers. When estimating the tax on your

 

2023 tax return, include your household employment

that isn’t subject to withholding (for example, earnings

taxes if either of the following applies.

from self-employment, interest, dividends, rents, alimony,

You will have federal income tax withheld from wages,

etc.). In addition, if you don’t elect voluntary withholding,

you should make estimated tax payments on other

pensions, annuities, gambling winnings, or other income.

You would be required to make estimated tax payments

taxable income, such as unemployment compensation

and the taxable part of your social security benefits.

to avoid a penalty even if you didn’t include household

employment taxes when figuring your estimated tax.

Change of address. If your address has changed, file

Higher income taxpayers. If your adjusted gross

Form 8822, to update your record.

income (AGI) for 2022 was more than $150,000 ($75,000

Future developments. For the latest information about

if your filing status for 2023 is married filing separately),

developments related to Form 1040-ES and its

substitute 110% for 100% in (2b) under General Rule,

instructions, such as legislation enacted after they were

earlier. This rule doesn’t apply to farmers or fishermen.

published, go to IRS.gov/Form1040ES.

Increase Your Withholding

 

 

 

 

Who Must Make Estimated Tax

If you also receive salaries and wages, you may be able to

Payments

avoid having to make estimated tax payments on your

The estimated tax rules apply to:

other income by asking your employer to take more tax

U.S. citizens and resident aliens;

out of your earnings. To do this, file a new Form W-4,

Residents of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands,

Employee's Withholding Certificate, with your employer.

Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana

Generally, if you receive a pension or annuity you can

Islands, and American Samoa; and

use Form W-4P, Withholding Certificate for Periodic

Nonresident aliens (use Form 1040-ES (NR)).

Pension or Annuity Payments, to start or change your

General Rule

withholding from these payments.

You can also choose to have federal income tax

In most cases, you must pay estimated tax for 2023 if both

withheld from certain government payments (see Form

of the following apply.

W-4V, Voluntary Withholding Request) or from

 

1. You expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for 2023,

 

nonperiodic payments and eligible rollover distributions

after subtracting your withholding and refundable credits.

(see Form W-4R, Withholding Certificate for Nonperiodic

 

2. You expect your withholding and refundable credits

Payments and Eligible Rollover Distributions).

to be less than the smaller of:

 

You can use the Tax Withholding Estimator at

or

a. 90% of the tax to be shown on your 2023 tax return,

TIP

IRS.gov/W4App to determine whether you need

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. 100% of the tax shown on your 2022 tax return.

 

to have your withholding increased or decreased.

 

Additional Information You May Need

Your 2022 tax return must cover all 12 months.

Note. These percentages may be different if you are a

You can find most of the information you will need in Pub.

505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, and in the

farmer, fisherman, or higher income taxpayer. See

instructions for the 2022 Form 1040 and 1040-SR.

Special Rules, later.

For details on how to get forms and publications, see

Exception. You don’t have to pay estimated tax for 2023

the 2022 Instructions for Form 1040.

if you were a U.S. citizen or resident alien for all of 2022

and you had no tax liability for the full 12-month 2022 tax

What's New

year. You had no tax liability for 2022 if your total tax was

In figuring your 2023 estimated tax, be sure to consider

zero or you didn’t have to file an income tax return.

the following.

 

Special Rules

There are special rules for farmers, fishermen, certain household employers, and certain higher income taxpayers.

Standard deduction amount increased. For 2023, the standard deduction amount has been increased for all filers. If you don't itemize your deductions, you can take the 2023 standard deduction listed in the following chart for your filing status.

Nov 02, 2022

Cat. No. 11340T

IF your 2023 filing status is...

THEN your standard

deduction is...

 

Married filing jointly or

$27,700

Qualifying surviving spouse

 

Head of household

$20,800

Single or Married filing separately

$13,850

 

 

 

However, if you can be claimed as a dependent on

another person's 2023 return, your standard deduction is

the greater of:

 

$1,250, or

 

Your earned income plus $400 (up to the standard

deduction amount).

 

 

Your standard deduction is increased by the following

amount if, at the end of 2023, you are:

 

An unmarried individual (single or head of household)

and are:

 

65 or older or blind

$1,850

65 or older and blind

$3,700

affect your refund or balance due. Promptly report changes in your income or family size to your Marketplace. See Form 8962 and its instructions for more information.

Access Your Online Account (Individual Taxpayers Only)

Go to IRS.gov/Account to securely access information about your federal tax account.

View the amount you owe and a breakdown by tax year.

See payment plan details or apply for a new payment plan.

Make a payment, view 5 years of payment history and any pending or scheduled payments.

Access your tax records, including key data from your most recent tax return, your economic impact payment amounts, and transcripts.

View digital copies of select notices from the IRS.

Approve or reject authorization requests from tax professionals.

Update your address or manage your communication preferences.

A married individual (filing jointly or separately) or a qualifying surviving spouse and are:

65 or older or blind

$1,500

65 or older and blind

$3,000

Both spouses 65 or older

$3,000*

Both spouses 65 or older and blind

$6,000*

*Only if married filing jointly. If married filing separately, these

 

amounts do not apply.

 

!

Your standard deduction is zero if (a) your spouse

itemizes on a separate return, or (b) you were a

CAUTION

dual-status alien and you do not elect to be taxed

as a resident alien for 2023.

 

Social security tax. For 2023, the maximum amount of earned income (wages and net earnings from self-employment) subject to the social security tax is $160,200.

Adoption credit or exclusion. For 2023, the maximum adoption credit or exclusion for employer-provided adoption benefits has increased to $15,950. In order to claim either the credit or exclusion, your modified adjusted gross income must be less than $279,230.

Reminders

Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) re- newal. If you were assigned an ITIN before January 1, 2013, or if you have an ITIN that you haven’t included on a tax return in the last 3 consecutive years, you may need to renew it. For more information, see the Instructions for Form W-7.

Advance payments of the premium tax credit. If you buy health care insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you may be eligible for advance payments of the premium tax credit to help pay for your insurance coverage. Receiving too little or too much in advance will

How To Figure Your Estimated Tax

You will need:

The 2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet,

The Instructions for the 2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet,

The 2023 Tax Rate Schedules, and

Your 2022 tax return and instructions to use as a guide to figuring your income, deductions, and credits (but be sure to consider the items listed under What's New, earlier).

Matching estimated tax payments to income. If you receive your income unevenly throughout the year (for example, because you operate your business on a seasonal basis or you have a large capital gain late in the year), you may be able to lower or eliminate the amount of your required estimated tax payment for one or more periods by using the annualized income installment method. See chapter 2 of Pub. 505 for details.

Changing your estimated tax. To amend or correct your estimated tax, see How To Amend Estimated Tax Payments, later.

!

You can’t make joint estimated tax payments if

you or your spouse is a nonresident alien, you are

CAUTION

separated under a decree of divorce or separate

maintenance, or you and your spouse have different tax years.

Additionally, individuals who are in registered domestic partnerships, civil unions, or other similar formal relationships that aren’t marriages under state law cannot make joint estimated tax payments. These individuals can take credit only for the estimated tax payments that they made.

Payment Due Dates

You can pay all of your estimated tax by April 18, 2023, or in four equal amounts by the dates shown below.

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Form 1040-ES (2023)

1st payment

April 18, 2023

2nd payment

June 15, 2023

3rd payment

Sept. 15, 2023

4th payment

Jan. 16, 2024*

*You don’t have to make the payment due January 16, 2024, if you file your 2023 tax return by January 31, 2024, and pay the entire balance due with your return.

If you mail your payment and it is postmarked by the due date, the date of the U.S. postmark is considered the date of payment. If your payments are late or you didn’t pay enough, you may be charged a penalty for underpaying your tax. See When a Penalty Is Applied, later.

You can make more than four estimated tax TIP payments. To do so, make a copy of one of your

unused estimated tax payment vouchers, fill it in, and mail it with your payment. If you make more than four payments, to avoid a penalty, make sure the total of the amounts you pay during a payment period is at least as much as the amount required to be paid by the due date for that period. For other payment methods, see How To Pay Estimated Tax, later.

No income subject to estimated tax during first pay- ment period. If, after March 31, 2023, you have a large change in income, deductions, additional taxes, or credits that requires you to start making estimated tax payments, you should figure the amount of your estimated tax payments by using the annualized income installment method, explained in chapter 2 of Pub. 505. If you use the annualized income installment method, file Form 2210, including Schedule AI, with your 2023 tax return even if no penalty is owed.

Farmers and fishermen. If at least two-thirds of your gross income for 2022 or 2023 is from farming or fishing, you can do one of the following.

Pay all of your estimated tax by January 16, 2024.

File your 2023 Form 1040 or 1040-SR by March 1, 2024, and pay the total tax due. In this case, 2023 estimated tax payments aren’t required to avoid a penalty. Fiscal year taxpayers. You are on a fiscal year if your

12-month tax period ends on any day except December 31. Due dates for fiscal year taxpayers are the 15th day of the 4th, 6th, and 9th months of your current fiscal year and the 1st month of the following fiscal year. If any payment date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, use the next business day. See Pub. 509, Tax Calendars, for a list of all legal holidays.

Name Change

If you changed your name because of marriage, divorce, etc., and you made estimated tax payments using your former name, attach a statement to the front of your 2023 paper tax return. On the statement, show all of the estimated tax payments you (and your spouse, if filing jointly) made for 2023 and the name(s) and SSN(s) under which you made the payments.

Be sure to report the change to your local Social Security Administration office before filing your 2023 tax

Form 1040-ES (2023)

return. This prevents delays in processing your return and issuing refunds. It also safeguards your future social security benefits. For more details, call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (TTY/TDD 800-325-0778).

How To Amend Estimated Tax

Payments

To change or amend your estimated tax payments, refigure your total estimated tax payments due (see the 2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet). Then, to figure the payment due for each remaining payment period, see Amended estimated tax in chapter 2 of Pub. 505. If an estimated tax payment for a previous period is less than one-fourth of your amended estimated tax, you may owe a penalty when you file your return.

When a Penalty Is Applied

In some cases, you may owe a penalty when you file your return. The penalty is imposed on each underpayment for the number of days it remains unpaid. A penalty may be applied if you didn’t pay enough estimated tax for the year or you didn’t make the payments on time or in the required amount. A penalty may apply even if you have an overpayment on your tax return.

The penalty may be waived under certain conditions. See the Instructions for Form 2210 for details.

How To Pay Estimated Tax

Pay Online

Paying online is convenient and secure and helps make sure we get your payments on time. To pay your taxes online or for more information, go to IRS.gov/Payments.

Once you are issued a social security number (SSN), use it when paying your estimated taxes online. Use your SSN even if your SSN does not authorize employment or if you have been issued an SSN that authorizes employment and you lose your employment authorization. An ITIN will not be issued to you once you have been issued an SSN. If you received your SSN after previously using an ITIN, stop using your ITIN. Use your SSN instead.

You can pay using any of the following methods.

Your Online Account. You can now make tax payments through your online account, including balance payments, estimated tax payments, or other types. You can also see your payment history and other tax records there. Go to IRS.gov/Account.

IRS Direct Pay. For online transfers directly from your checking or savings account at no cost to you, go to IRS.gov/Payments.

Pay by Card. To pay by debit or credit card, go to IRS.gov/Payments. A convenience fee is charged by these service providers.

Electronic Fund Withdrawal (EFW) is an integrated e-file/e-pay option offered when filing your federal taxes electronically using tax preparation software, through a tax professional, or the IRS at IRS.gov/Payments.

Online Payment Agreement. If you can’t pay in full by the due date of your tax return, you can apply for an online monthly installment agreement at IRS.gov/Payments.

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Once you complete the online process, you will receive immediate notification of whether your agreement has been approved. A user fee is charged.

Pay by Phone

Paying by phone is another safe and secure method of paying electronically. Use one of the following methods:

(1) call one of the debit or credit card service providers, or

(2) the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). Debit or credit card. Call one of our service providers. Each charges a fee that varies by provider, card type, and payment amount.

ACI Payments, Inc.

888-UPAY-TAXTM (888-872-9829) fed.acipayonline.com

Link2Gov Corporation

888-PAY-1040TM (888-729-1040) www.PAY1040.com

WorldPay US, Inc.

844-PAY-TAX-8TM (844-729-8298) www.payUSAtax.com

EFTPS. To get more information about EFTPS or to enroll in EFTPS, visit EFTPS.gov or call 800-555-4477. To contact EFTPS using Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 711 and then provide the TRS assistant the 800-555-4477 number above or

800-733-4829. Additional information about EFTPS is also available in Pub. 966.

Mobile Device

To pay through your mobile device, download the IRS2Go app.

Pay by Cash

Cash is an in-person payment option for individuals provided through retail partners with a maximum of $1,000 per day per transaction. To make a cash payment, you must first be registered online at fed.acipayonline.com, our official payment provider. Don't send cash payments through the mail.

Pay by Check or Money Order Using the Estimated Tax Payment Voucher

Before submitting a payment through the mail using the estimated tax payment voucher, please consider alternative methods. One of our safe, quick, and easy online payment options might be right for you.

If you choose to mail in your payment, there is a separate estimated tax payment voucher for each due

date. The due date is shown in the upper right corner. Complete and send in the voucher only if you are making a payment by check or money order. If you and your spouse plan to file separate returns, file separate vouchers instead of a joint voucher.

To complete the voucher, do the following.

Print or type your name, address, and SSN in the space provided on the estimated tax payment voucher. Enter your SSN even if your SSN does not authorize employment or if you have been issued an SSN that authorizes employment and you lose your employment authorization. If you have an ITIN, enter it wherever your SSN is requested. An ITIN will not be issued to you once you have been issued an SSN. If you received your SSN after previously using an ITIN, stop using your ITIN. Use your SSN instead. If filing a joint voucher, also enter your spouse's name and SSN. List the names and SSNs in the same order on the joint voucher as you will list them on your joint return.

Enter in the box provided on the estimated tax payment voucher only the amount you are sending in by check or money order. When making payments of estimated tax, be sure to take into account any 2022 overpayment that you choose to credit against your 2023 tax, but don’t include the overpayment amount in this box.

Make your check or money order payable to “United States Treasury.” Don’t send cash. To help process your payment accurately, enter the amount on the right side of the check like this: $ XXX.XX. Don’t use dashes or lines (for example, don’t enter “$ XXX—” or “$ XXX xx/100”).

Enter “2023 Form 1040-ES” and your SSN on your check or money order. If you are filing a joint estimated tax payment voucher, enter the SSN that you will show first on your joint return.

Enclose, but don’t staple or attach, your payment with the estimated tax payment voucher.

Notice to taxpayers presenting checks. When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us either to use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction. When we use information from your check to make an electronic fund transfer, funds may be withdrawn from your account as soon as the same day we receive your payment, and you will not receive your check back from your financial institution.

No checks of $100 million or more accepted. The IRS can’t accept a single check (including a cashier’s check) for amounts of $100,000,000 ($100 million) or more. If you are sending $100 million or more by check, you will need to spread the payment over 2 or more checks with each check made out for an amount less than $100 million. This limit doesn’t apply to other methods of payment (such as electronic payments). Please consider a method of payment other than check if the amount of the payment is over $100 million.

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Form 1040-ES (2023)

Where To File Your Estimated Tax Payment Voucher if Paying by Check or Money Order

Mail your estimated tax payment voucher and check or money order to the address

A foreign country, American Samoa,

Internal Revenue Service

shown below for the place where you live. Do not mail your tax return to this address or

or Puerto Rico (or are excluding

P.O. Box 1303

send an estimated tax payment without a payment voucher. Also, do not mail your

income under Internal Revenue Code

Charlotte, NC 28201-1303

estimated tax payments to the address shown in the Form 1040 instructions. If you

933), or use an APO or FPO address,

 

need more payment vouchers, you can make a copy of one of your unused vouchers.

or file Form 2555 or 4563, or are a

 

 

 

dual-status alien or nonpermanent

 

 

 

resident of Guam or the U.S. Virgin

 

 

 

Islands

 

Caution: For proper delivery of your estimated tax payment to a P.O. box, you must

Guam:

Department of

include the box number in the address. Also, note that only the U.S. Postal Service can

Bona fide residents*

Revenue and Taxation

deliver to P.O. boxes. Therefore, you cannot use a private delivery service to make

 

Government of Guam

estimated tax payments required to be sent to a P.O. box.

 

 

P.O. Box 23607

 

 

 

GMF, GU 96921

IF you live in . . .

THEN send it to . . .

U.S. Virgin Islands:

Virgin Islands Bureau

 

 

Bona fide residents*

of Internal Revenue

 

 

 

6115 Estate Smith Bay

 

 

 

Suite 225

 

 

 

St. Thomas, VI 00802

Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia,

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico,

P.O. Box 1300

 

 

North Carolina, South Carolina,

Charlotte, NC 28201-1300

 

 

Tennessee, Texas

 

 

 

Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware,

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana,

P.O. Box 931100

 

 

Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland,

Louisville, KY 40293-1100

 

 

Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri,

 

 

 

New Hampshire, New Jersey, New

 

 

 

York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island,

 

 

 

Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia,

 

 

 

Wisconsin

 

 

 

Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii,

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Montana,

P.O. Box 802502

 

 

Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon,

Cincinnati, OH 45280-2502

 

 

North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South

 

 

 

Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

 

 

 

*Bona fide residents must prepare separate vouchers for estimated income tax and self-employment tax payments. Send the income tax vouchers to the address for bona fide residents and the self-employment tax vouchers to the address for non-bona fide residents.

Instructions for the 2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet

Line 1. Adjusted gross income. When figuring the adjusted gross income you expect in 2023, be sure to consider the items listed under What’s New, earlier. For more details on figuring your AGI, see Expected AGI—Line 1 in chapter 2 of Pub. 505.

If you are self-employed, be sure to take into account the deduction for self-employment tax. Use the 2023 Self-Employment Tax and Deduction Worksheet for Lines 1 and 9 of the Estimated Tax Worksheet to figure the amount to subtract when figuring your expected AGI. This worksheet will also give you the amount to enter on line 9 of your estimated tax worksheet.

Line 7. Credits. See the 2022 Form 1040 or 1040-SR, line 19, and Schedule 3 (Form 1040), lines 1 through 6z, and the related instructions for the types of credits allowed.

Line 9. Self-employment tax. If you and your spouse make joint estimated tax payments and both of you have self-employment income, figure the self-employment tax for each of you separately. Enter the total on line 9. When estimating your 2023 net earnings from self-employment,

be sure to use only 92.35% (0.9235) of your total net profit from self-employment.

Line 10. Other taxes. Use the 2022 Instructions for Form 1040 to determine if you expect to owe, for 2023, any of the taxes that would have been entered on your 2022 Schedule 2 (Form 1040), line 8 through 12 and 14 through 17z (see Exception 2, later). On line 10, enter the total of those taxes, subject to the following two exceptions.

Exception 1. Include household employment taxes from Schedule 2 (Form 1040), line 9, on this line only if:

You will have federal income tax withheld from wages, pensions, annuities, gambling winnings, or other income; or

You would be required to make estimated tax payments (to avoid a penalty) even if you didn’t include household employment taxes when figuring your estimated tax.

If you meet either of the above, include the total of your household employment taxes on line 10.

Exception 2. Because the following taxes are not required to be paid until the due date of your income tax (not including extensions), do not include them on line 10.

Uncollected social security and Medicare or RRTA tax on tips or group-term life insurance (Schedule 2, line 13),

Form 1040-ES (2023)

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2023 Self-Employment Tax and Deduction Worksheet for

Keep for Your Records

Lines 1 and 9 of the Estimated Tax Worksheet

1a. Enter your expected income and profits subject to self-employment tax*

1a.

b.If you will have farm income and also receive social security retirement or disability benefits, enter your expected Conservation Reserve Program payments that will be

 

included on Schedule F (Form 1040) or listed on Schedule K-1 (Form 1065)

b.

 

2.

. . . . . . . . . .Subtract line 1b from line 1a

2.

 

3.

. . . . . . . . . .Multiply line 2 by 92.35% (0.9235)

3.

 

4.

. . . . . . . . . . . . .Multiply line 3 by 2.9% (0.029)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.

Social security tax maximum income

5.

$160,200

6.Enter your expected wages (if subject to social security tax or the 6.2% portion of

 

tier 1 railroad retirement tax)

6.

7.

Subtract line 6 from line 5

7.

 

Note. If line 7 is zero or less, enter -0- on line 9 and skip to line 10.

 

8.

Enter the smaller of line 3 or line 7

8.

9.

Multiply line 8 by 12.4% (0.124)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10.

Add lines 4 and 9. Enter the result here and on line 9 of your 2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11.

Multiply line 10 by 50% (0.50). This is your expected deduction for self-employment tax on

 

 

Schedule 1 (Form 1040), line 15. Subtract this amount when figuring your expected AGI on

11.

 

line 1 of your 2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet

4.

9.

10.

*Your net profit from self-employment is found on Schedule C (Form 1040), line 31; Schedule F (Form 1040), line 34; and Schedule K-1 (Form 1065), box 14, code A.

Recapture of federal mortgage subsidy (Schedule 2, line 17b),

Excise tax on excess golden parachute payments (Schedule 2, line 17k),

Excise tax on insider stock compensation from an expatriated corporation (Schedule 2, line 17m), and

Look-back interest under section 167(g) or 460(b) (Schedule 2, line 17n).

Additional Medicare Tax. For information about the Additional Medicare Tax, see the Instructions for Form 8959.

Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT). For information about the Net Investment Income Tax, see the Instructions for Form 8960.

Repayment of first-time homebuyer credit. You must repay the first-time homebuyer credit if you bought the home in 2008.

For details about repaying the first-time homebuyer credit, see the Instructions for Form 5405.

Line 12b. Prior year's tax. Enter the 2022 tax you figure according to the instructions in Figuring your 2022 tax unless you meet one of the following exceptions.

If the AGI shown on your 2022 return is more than $150,000 ($75,000 if married filing separately for 2023), enter 110% of your 2022 tax as figured next.

Note. This doesn’t apply to farmers or fishermen.

If you will file a joint return for 2023 but you didn’t file a joint return for 2022, add the tax shown on your 2022 return to the tax shown on your spouse's 2022 return and enter the total on line 12b.

If you filed a joint return for 2022 but you will not file a joint return for 2023, first figure the tax both you and your spouse would have paid had you filed separate returns for 2022 using the same filing status as for 2023. Then multiply the tax on the joint return by a fraction, the numerator being the tax you would have paid had you filed a separate return, over the total tax you and your spouse would have paid had you filed separate returns. Enter this amount on line 12b.

If you didn’t file a return for 2022 or your 2022 tax year was less than 12 full months, don’t complete line 12b. Instead, enter the amount from line 12a on line 12c.

Figuring your 2022 tax. Use the following instructions to figure your 2022 tax.

The tax shown on your 2022 Form 1040 or 1040-SR is the amount on Form 1040 or 1040-SR, line 24, reduced by:

1.Unreported social security and Medicare tax or RRTA tax from Schedule 2 (Form 1040), lines 5 and 6;

2.Any tax included on Schedule 2 (Form 1040), line 8, on excess contributions to an IRA, Archer MSA, Coverdell education savings account, health savings account, ABLE account, or on excess accumulations in qualified retirement plans;

3.Amounts on Schedule 2 (Form 1040) as listed under Exception 2, earlier; and

4.Any refundable credit amounts on Form 1040 or 1040-SR, lines 27, 28, and 29 and Schedule 3 (Form 1040), lines 9, 12, 13b, 13d, and 13h.

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Form 1040-ES (2023)

2023 Tax Rate Schedules

Caution. Don’t use these Tax Rate Schedules to figure your 2022 taxes. Use only to figure your 2023 estimated taxes.

Schedule X—Use if your 2023 filing status is

 

Schedule Z—Use if your 2023 filing status is

 

 

Single

 

 

 

 

 

Head of household

 

 

 

 

If line 3

 

The tax is:

 

 

 

If line 3

 

The tax is:

 

 

 

is:

 

 

 

of the

is:

 

 

 

of the

 

But not

 

 

 

 

But not

 

 

 

Over—

 

 

 

amount

Over—

 

 

 

amount

over—

 

 

 

over—

over—

 

 

 

over—

$0

$11,000

$-----------1,100.00

+

10%

$0

$0

$15,700

$-----------1,570.00

+

10%

$0

11,000

44,725

+

12%

11,000

15,700

59,850

+

12%

15,700

44,725

95,375

5,147.00

+

22%

44,725

59,850

95,350

6,868.00

+

22%

59,850

95,375

182,100

16,290.00

+

24%

95,375

95,350

182,100

14,678.00

+

24%

95,350

182,100

231,250

37,104.00

+

32%

182,100

182,100

231,250

35,498.00

+

32%

182,100

231,250

578,125

52,832.00

+

35%

231,250

231,250

578,100

51,226.00

+

35%

231,250

578,125

-----------

174,238.25

+

37%

578,125

578,100

-----------

172,623.50

+

37%

578,100

Schedule Y-1— Use if your 2023 filing status is

 

Schedule Y-2—Use if your 2023 filing status is

 

Married filing jointly or Qualifying surviving spouse

Married filing separately

 

 

 

 

If line 3

 

The tax is:

 

 

 

If line 3

 

The tax is:

 

 

 

is:

 

 

 

 

of the

is:

 

 

 

 

of the

 

But not

 

 

 

 

But not

 

 

 

Over—

 

 

 

amount

Over—

 

 

 

amount

over—

 

 

 

over—

over—

 

 

 

over—

$0

$22,000

$-----------2,200.00

+

10%

$0

$0

$11,000

$1,100.00---------

+

10%

$0

22,000

89,450

+

12%

22,000

11,000

44,725

+

12%

11,000

89,450

190,750

10,294.00

+

22%

89,450

44,725

95,375

5,147.00

+

22%

44,725

190,750

364,200

32,580.00

+

24%

190,750

95,375

182,100

16,290.00

+

24%

95,375

364,200

462,500

74,208.00

+

32%

364,200

182,100

231,250

37,104.00

+

32%

182,100

462,500

693,750

105,664.00

+

35%

462,500

231,250

346,875

52,832.00

+

35%

231,250

693,750

---------

186,601.50

+

37%

693,750

346,875

-----------

93,300.75

+

37%

346,875

Form 1040-ES (2023)

-7-

2023 Estimated Tax Worksheet

Keep for Your Records

1

Adjusted gross income you expect in 2023 (see instructions)

2a

Deductions

 

• If you plan to itemize deductions, enter the estimated total of your itemized deductions.

}

 

• If you don’t plan to itemize deductions, enter your standard deduction.

bIf you can take the qualified business income deduction, enter the estimated amount of the deduction

c Add lines 2a and 2b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3 Subtract line 2c from line 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4Tax. Figure your tax on the amount on line 3 by using the 2023 Tax Rate Schedules.

Caution: If you will have qualified dividends or a net capital gain, or expect to exclude or deduct foreign earned income or housing, see Worksheets 2-5 and 2-6 in Pub. 505 to figure the tax . . . . . . .

5 Alternative minimum tax from Form 6251 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6Add lines 4 and 5. Add to this amount any other taxes you expect to include in the total on Form 1040

or 1040-SR, line 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7

Credits (see instructions). Do not include any income tax withholding on this line

8

Subtract line 7 from line 6. If zero or less, enter -0-

9

Self-employment tax (see instructions)

10

Other taxes (see instructions)

11a

Add lines 8 through 10

bEarned income credit, additional child tax credit, fuel tax credit, net premium tax credit, refundable

 

American opportunity credit, and section 1341 credit

c

Total 2023 estimated tax. Subtract line 11b from line 11a. If zero or less, enter -0-

12a

Multiply line 11c by 90% (662/3% for farmers and fishermen)

 

12a

 

 

 

b

Required annual payment based on prior year’s tax (see instructions) . . .

 

12b

 

cRequired annual payment to avoid a penalty. Enter the smaller of line 12a or 12b . . . . . .

Caution: Generally, if you do not prepay (through income tax withholding and estimated tax payments) at least the amount on line 12c, you may owe a penalty for not paying enough estimated tax. To avoid a penalty, make sure your estimate on line 11c is as accurate as possible. Even if you pay the required annual payment, you may still owe tax when you file your return. If you prefer, you can pay the amount shown on line 11c. For details, see chapter 2 of Pub. 505.

13Income tax withheld and estimated to be withheld during 2023 (including income tax withholding on

 

pensions, annuities, certain deferred income, etc.)

 

 

 

14a

Subtract line 13 from line 12c

14a

 

 

Is the result zero or less?

 

 

 

Yes. Stop here. You are not required to make estimated tax payments.

 

 

 

No. Go to line 14b.

 

 

b

Subtract line 13 from line 11c

14b

 

 

Is the result less than $1,000?

 

 

Yes. Stop here. You are not required to make estimated tax payments.

No. Go to line 15 to figure your required payment.

15If the first payment you are required to make is due April 18, 2023, enter ¼ of line 14a (minus any 2022 overpayment that you are applying to this installment) here, and on your estimated tax payment

voucher(s) if you are paying by check or money order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1

2a

2b

2c

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11a

11b

11c

12c

13

15

Form 1040-ES (2023)

-8-

Record of Estimated Tax Payments (Farmers, fishermen, and fiscal year taxpayers, see Payment Due Dates.)

Keep for Your Records

Payment number

Payment

 

 

(c) Check or

(d) Amount paid

(e) 2022

(f) Total amount

(a) Amount

(b) Date

money order number, or

due

(do not include

overpayment

paid and credited

due

paid

credit or debit card

date

any convenience fee)

credit applied

(add (d) and (e))

 

 

confirmation number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

4/18/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

6/15/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

9/15/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

1/16/2024*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

* You do not have to make this payment if you file your 2023 tax return by January 31, 2024, and pay the entire balance due with your return.

Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice. We ask for this information to carry out the tax laws of the United States. We need it to figure and collect the right amount of tax. Our legal right to ask for this information is Internal Revenue Code section 6654, which requires that you pay your taxes in a specified manner to avoid being penalized. Additionally, sections 6001, 6011, and 6012(a) and their regulations require you to file a return or statement for any tax for which you are liable; section 6109 requires you to provide your identifying number. Failure to provide this information, or providing false or fraudulent information, may subject you to penalties.

You are not required to provide the information requested on a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or records relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law. Generally, tax returns and return information are confidential, as stated in Code section 6103.

We may disclose the information to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to other federal agencies, as provided by law.

We may disclose it to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths or possessions to carry out their tax laws. We may also disclose this information to other countries under a tax treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce federal nontax criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism.

If you do not file a return, do not give the information asked for, or give fraudulent information, you may be charged penalties and be subject to criminal prosecution.

Please keep this notice with your records. It may help you if we ask you for other information. If you have any questions about the rules for filing and giving information, please call or visit any Internal Revenue Service office.

The average time and expenses required to complete and file this form will vary depending on individual circumstances. For the estimated averages, see the instructions for your income tax return.

If you have suggestions for making this package simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. See the instructions for your income tax return.

Tear off here

Pay online at www.irs.gov/ etpay

Simple.

Fast.

Secure.

Form

1040-ES

 

 

2023 Estimated Tax

Payment

4

OMB No. 1545-0074

 

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

Voucher

 

 

Department of the Treasury

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

File only if you are making a payment of estimated tax by check or money order. Mail this

Calendar year—Due Jan. 16, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

voucher with your check or money order payable to “United States Treasury.” Write your

Amount of estimated tax you are paying

social security number and “2023 Form 1040-ES” on your check or money order. Do not send

by check or

 

 

 

 

cash. Enclose, but do not staple or attach, your payment with this voucher.

money order.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your first name and middle initial

Your last name

 

 

Your social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If joint payment, complete for spouse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or type

Spouse’s first name and middle initial

Spouse’s last name

 

 

Spouse’s social security number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address (number, street, and apt. no.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City, town, or post office. If you have a foreign address, also complete spaces below.

State

 

 

 

ZIP code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign country name

 

Foreign province/county

 

 

Foreign postal code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see instructions.

Form 1040-ES (2023)

-9-

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

-10-

Document Specs

Fact Name Description
Purpose of Form 1040-ES Used by individuals to estimate and pay their estimated tax quarterly to the IRS.
Who Needs to File It's generally for individuals who expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes when their return is filed, including self-employed individuals.
Payment Schedule Estimated tax payments are due four times a year on specific dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
Governing Law The requirement to pay estimated taxes is governed by the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and administered by the IRS.

Instructions on Writing IRS 1040-ES

Completing the IRS 1040-ES form is an essential step for individuals who need to pay estimated taxes quarterly. This process may seem daunting at first, but with a clear understanding of the requirements and step-by-step instructions, the task becomes manageable. Individuals typically need to undertake this process if they do not have taxes withheld from their income, which is common for self-employed individuals, investors, or those with other sources of income not subject to automatic withholding. The aim is to estimate the amount of tax owed for the year and make payments in four installments to avoid penalties. Below are the steps to accurately fill out the IRS 1040-ES form.

  1. Gather financial documents. Before beginning, collect all necessary financial information, including last year's tax return, records of anticipated income for the current year, and any deductions or credits you plan to claim.
  2. Calculate estimated tax. Use the worksheet provided in the IRS 1040-ES package to estimate your total tax for the year. This calculation will require understanding your expected adjusted gross income, taxable income, taxes, deductions, and credits for the year.
  3. Determine the amount of each installment. After calculating your total estimated tax, divide this number by four. This gives you the amount that needs to be paid with each installment.
  4. Fill in your personal information. On the form, provide your name, address, and Social Security number. If you are filing jointly, also include your spouse's information.
  5. Indicate the payment period. Mark the appropriate box to indicate for which quarter the payment is being made. Each payment is due on April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year.
  6. Include payment. If you are mailing the form, include a check or money order payable to the "United States Treasury." Make sure to write your Social Security number and "Form 1040-ES" on the payment. For those who prefer electronic payments, the IRS offers options such as Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or credit or debit card payments through approved processors.

After completing and submitting the IRS 1040-ES form with your payment, it is important to keep a copy of the form and any related documentation for your records. The process does not end with a single submission; taxpayers need to review and possibly adjust their estimated tax payments throughout the year as their financial situation changes. By staying proactive and attentive to these requirements, individuals can avoid unexpected tax liabilities and penalties. Remember, the IRS website provides resources and tools that may assist in calculating estimated taxes and making payments.

Understanding IRS 1040-ES

What is the IRS 1040-ES form?

The IRS 1040-ES form is used by individuals to estimate and pay their taxes on income that is not subject to withholding. This might include earnings from self-employment, interest, dividends, alimony, or rental income. Its purpose is to help ensure that taxpayers pay enough tax throughout the year to avoid penalties.

Who needs to file the 1040-ES form?

Generally, you need to file the 1040-ES form if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for the current year, after subtracting your withholding and refundable credits, and you expect that your withholding and refundable credits will be less than the smaller of 90% of the tax to be shown on your current year’s tax return or 100% of the tax shown on your previous year’s tax return.

How often do I need to make estimated tax payments?

Estimated tax payments are typically made quarterly. The usual due dates are April 15th for the first quarter, June 15th for the second quarter, September 15th for the third quarter, and January 15th of the following year for the fourth quarter. These dates can change if they fall on a weekend or holiday.

How do I calculate how much to pay with the 1040-ES?

Calculating your estimated tax involves figuring out your expected adjusted gross income, taxable income, taxes, deductions, and credits for the year. The 1040-ES form includes a worksheet to help you estimate these amounts. You'll need to estimate these figures as accurately as possible to avoid overpaying or underpaying your taxes.

Can I make estimated tax payments electronically?

Yes, the IRS encourages taxpayers to make their estimated tax payments electronically. Payments can be made through the IRS Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or through a credit or debit card. Making payments electronically is convenient, secure, and provides immediate confirmation of your payment.

What happens if I don't pay enough estimated tax?

If you don't pay enough tax through withholding and estimated tax payments, you may be charged a penalty. The penalty is typically calculated at the federal short-term rate plus 3 percent. It is important to accurately calculate and make your estimated tax payments to avoid this penalty.

Can I adjust my estimated tax payments if my income changes?

Yes, if your income changes and you find that you have overestimated or underestimated your taxes, you can adjust your remaining estimated tax payments accordingly. If you underestimate, you can catch up with a larger payment. If you overestimate, you can lower your remaining payments.

Do I need to file the 1040-ES form if my income is entirely from wages?

If all your income is subject to withholding, such as wages from an employer where taxes are automatically deducted, you typically do not need to file the 1040-ES form. However, if you have other sources of income not subject to withholding, you may need to make estimated tax payments.

What records should I keep regarding my 1040-ES payments?

It's important to keep a record of all your estimated tax payments, including the date and amount of each payment. These records will be necessary when you file your annual tax return, as you'll need to reconcile the estimated taxes paid with the total tax liability.

What should I do if I missed an estimated tax payment?

If you miss a payment, try to make it up as soon as possible. While this may result in a penalty for underpayment, paying as soon as you can helps reduce the penalty amount. You can also adjust your subsequent payments to cover the missed amount.

Common mistakes

Filling out the IRS 1040-ES form is a common procedure for individuals who need to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. However, several mistakes often occur during the completion process. One common mistake is not calculating estimated tax payments accurately. Individuals sometimes underestimate their income for the year, leading to underpayment of taxes. This can result in penalties and interest charges. To avoid this, one should carefully project their income and consider all potential sources of revenue.

Another frequent error is failing to account for all applicable deductions and credits. Many people overlook deductions or credits that they are entitled to, which could lower their overall tax liability. It is crucial to review all possible tax deductions and credits and include them in the calculation of estimated taxes.

A third mistake involves missing the payment deadlines. The IRS has specific due dates for estimated tax payments throughout the year. Missing these deadlines can lead to unnecessary fines. It is recommended to set reminders for these dates or consider setting up electronic payments to ensure timely submission.

Incorrectly filling out or missing information on the form itself is also a common issue. This includes simple errors like miswriting social security numbers or addresses. Such mistakes can lead to processing delays or the IRS not being able to properly credit the payment to the right account. Double-checking all entries on the form before submission can help mitigate these errors.

Lastly, not adjusting estimated payments when income changes is a mistake that can lead to overpayment or underpayment of taxes. If one’s income significantly increases or decreases during the year, it is necessary to recalculate estimated taxes to reflect this change. Failing to do so can result in paying too much and waiting for a refund, or owing a substantial amount when filing the annual return.

Documents used along the form

When preparing taxes, especially for those who are self-employed or have other non-waged income sources, the IRS form 1040-ES, "Estimated Tax for Individuals," is a critical document. It helps manage and pay estimated taxes quarterly, preventing surprises during the tax season. However, this form doesn't stand alone. Several other forms and documents are often utilized in conjunction with the 1040-ES to ensure comprehensive and accurate tax filing. Here's a look at some of these essential documents.

  • Form 1040: The U.S. Individual Income Tax Return is the cornerstone document for tax reporting. It compiles all income sources, deductions, and credits to calculate the final tax liability.
  • Form W-2: This Wage and Tax Statement is issued by employers to report annual wages and taxes withheld. It's necessary for individuals to accurately report their income on form 1040.
  • Form 1099-MISC: For independent contractors or freelancers, this form details non-employee compensation received, which is necessary for calculating estimated taxes.
  • Form 1099-INT: Individuals who earn interest income from banks or other financial institutions need this form to report that income on their tax return.
  • Form 1099-DIV: This document reports dividends and distributions from investments, which must be included in the income calculations for proper tax assessment.
  • Form 1099-B: Reporting sales of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, this form supplies necessary details for accurately reporting capital gains or losses.
  • Form 4868: The Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return is critical for those needing extra time to gather documents or complete their filing accurately.
  • Form 8822: This Change of Address form ensures the IRS has current information to prevent miscommunication or lost mail, especially important for receiving notices or refunds.
  • Schedule C: Profit or Loss from Business (Sole Proprietorship) is crucial for self-employed individuals, detailing business income and expenses to calculate the net profit or loss for tax purposes.
  • Schedule SE: The Self-Employment Tax form calculates the amount of Social Security and Medicare tax owed by those who work for themselves.

Using these forms in tandem with the IRS 1040-ES provides a complete picture of an individual's tax situation, enabling accurate payments and reporting of estimated taxes. This approach not only ensures compliance with tax laws but also helps in managing financial health by avoiding unexpected tax bills and penalties. For anyone navigating the complexities of estimated taxes, familiarity with these documents is paramount.

Similar forms

The IRS 1040-ES form is used for estimating taxes on income that is not subject to withholding. A document akin to this is the W-4 form, which employees use to determine the amount of federal income tax to withhold from their paychecks. While 1040-ES allows individuals to calculate and pay estimated taxes quarterly, the W-4 provides employers with the information needed to withhold the correct federal income tax from employees' pay. Both forms ensure that taxpayers meet their yearly tax obligations through regular contributions, although they cater to different types of income.

Another related document is the Schedule C form, utilized by sole proprietors to report profits or losses from their business activities. Like the 1040-ES, Schedule C impacts an individual’s tax obligations, often leading to the need to make estimated tax payments if the business generates a significant profit. Schedule C calculates the taxable income from the business that needs to be reported on one's personal tax return, potentially affecting the amount calculated on the 1040-ES.

The 1099-MISC form, issued to freelancers and independent contractors for work performed, shares similarities with the 1040-ES. Recipients of the 1099-MISC typically need to use the 1040-ES to pay estimated taxes on their earnings, given that their income isn’t subject to withholding by employers. Both documents are crucial for individuals working independently to comply with their tax reporting and payment responsibilities.

Individuals owning rental properties would likely deal with the Schedule E form, which reports income and losses from real estate. Like those using the 1040-ES for estimated tax payments, property owners use Schedule E to calculate taxable income from rental activities, which may necessitate the payment of estimated taxes if the income is substantial.

The 1040-X form, used for amending previously filed tax returns, can be related to the 1040-ES in circumstances where adjustments lead to changes in an individual's tax liability. This may result in the need to pay additional estimated taxes through the 1040-ES form to avoid penalties. Both documents are integral to ensuring the accuracy and completeness of one's tax obligations.

U.S. citizens or resident aliens living abroad engage with the 2555 form to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. This document affects one's taxable income, potentially impacting estimated tax calculations on the 1040-ES. Individuals utilizing form 2555 may find their estimated tax obligations reduced, thanks to exclusions for income earned outside the United States.

The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is calculated using the 6251 form, which could influence the need for adjustments through the 1040-ES. This form identifies individuals who must pay the AMT, an alternative method of calculating tax designed to ensure that certain taxpayers pay at least a minimum amount of tax. Those subject to the AMT might have their estimated tax payments affected.

Entities navigating complex partnerships and S corporations may encounter the K-1 form, detailing each partner's share of the business's income, deductions, credits, etc. Similar to the 1040-ES, the information from a K-1 can influence an individual's tax liability, necessitating the adjustment of estimated tax payments to accurately reflect their income and avoid penalties.

The Child Tax Credit Update Portal is a resource for individuals to manage aspects of their Child Tax Credit payments. While not a form per se, it plays a similar role to the 1040-ES in helping taxpayers adjust their tax payments. The portal allows families to update information that could affect their credit amount, potentially impacting their need for making estimated tax payments or claiming refunds.

Dos and Don'ts

The IRS 1040-ES form is an essential document for individuals who need to pay estimated taxes on income that isn't subject to withholding. Filling it out correctly ensures compliance with tax laws and avoids possible penalties. Below are key dos and don'ts to consider when completing this form.

Do:

  1. Verify your identity clearly by providing accurate personal information, including your Social Security Number. Misidentification can lead to processing delays or misapplied payments.
  2. Gather all necessary documents beforehand, such as the prior year's tax return and records of your estimated income for the current year, to make accurate calculations.
  3. Use the IRS's calculation methods and worksheets provided in the 1040-ES instructions to determine your estimated tax accurately. This ensures you pay the right amount and avoid underpayment penalties.
  4. Consider adjusting your payments if significant changes in your income occur during the year, to reflect your actual tax liability more accurately.
  5. Make your payments by the due dates to avoid penalties. The IRS offers several payment options, including electronic payments, which are efficient and timely.
  6. Keep records of all your estimated tax payments. This documentation will be crucial for accurately completing your annual tax return.

Don't:

  1. Rely solely on last year's figures without considering changes in your income or tax laws that could affect your current year's tax situation.
  2. Underestimate your income to lower your payment amount. This could result in significant penalties and interest charges for underpayment.
  3. Ignore the deadlines for quarterly payments. Late payments can lead to penalties, even if you are due a refund when filing your annual return.
  4. Omit any income sources. All taxable income, including self-employment, dividends, and interest, must be accounted for when estimating your taxes.
  5. Forget to sign and date the form if you are mailing it. An unsigned form is like not filing at all and can result in penalties.
  6. Overlook the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) as a convenient way to make payments. Registering for EFTPS can simplify the payment process and help you stay on top of your estimated taxes.

Misconceptions

The IRS 1040-ES form is essential for many taxpayers, especially those who need to pay estimated taxes throughout the year. However, misconceptions about this form are widespread. Understanding these can help ensure compliance and prevent unnecessary mistakes.

  • Only self-employed individuals need to file it: A common misconception is that only those who are self-employed must file the Form 1040-ES. While it's true that self-employed individuals often need to make estimated tax payments, others might as well. This includes anyone who earns income that isn't subject to withholding, such as interest, dividends, alimony, rental income, and sometimes income from a partnership or S corporation.
  • The same amount has to be paid each quarter: While the Form 1040-ES worksheet helps estimate quarterly payments, income can fluctuate, leading to different payment amounts each quarter. It's crucial to re-evaluate your income before each payment period to avoid overpaying or underpaying.
  • Penalties are unavoidable if you underpay: The IRS understands that predicting exact income can be challenging. Penalties can be avoided if at least 90% of the tax due on the current year's return or 100% of the tax shown on the previous year's return, whichever is smaller, is paid through estimated taxes and withholdings.
  • You can only pay annually: This is not accurate. The Form 1040-ES is designed for making quarterly estimated payments. These payments are typically due in April, June, September, and January of the following year. Paying quarterly helps spread out the tax burden and can help avoid a large lump sum due at tax time.
  • Electronic payments are not an option: In reality, the IRS encourages electronic payments. Taxpayers can make payments online, by phone, or through the IRS2Go app, making the process more convenient and secure. Electronic payments can also be scheduled in advance, ensuring they are never late.

Key takeaways

The IRS 1040-ES form is crucial for taxpayers who need to estimate their taxes ahead of time. Understanding how to effectively utilize this form ensures compliance with tax laws and can prevent unexpected penalties. Here are the key takeaways to keep in mind:

  • The IRS 1040-ES form is used by individuals to estimate the taxes they owe for the year when income is not subject to automatic withholding. This includes income from self-employment, dividends, rents, and alimony.
  • Estimated tax payments must be made quarterly. The due dates typically fall on April 15, June 15, September 15 of the current year, and January 15 of the following year. Missing these deadlines can result in penalties.
  • To accurately fill out the 1040-ES, taxpayers need to estimate their adjusted gross income, taxable income, taxes, deductions, and credits for the year.
  • It's essential to factor in changes from the previous year, such as changes in income, deductions, tax laws, or personal circumstances, to avoid overpaying or underpaying taxes.
  • Failure to pay the correct estimated tax or to make payments on time can lead to penalties. However, taxpayers can avoid penalties if they pay at least 90% of the tax owed for the current year or 100% of the tax shown on the return for the previous year, whichever is smaller.
  • The IRS provides a worksheet within the form to help calculate estimated taxes, but taxpayers may also use online tax calculators or seek professional advice for more complex tax situations.
  • Payments can be made electronically through the IRS Direct Pay system, by phone, or by mail with a check or money order. Setting up electronic payments is a convenient way to ensure payments are made on time.
  • Any overpayment from estimated taxes can be applied to next year’s estimated tax or refunded upon filing the annual tax return.

Understanding and accurately preparing the IRS 1040-ES form is critical for individuals with income not subject to withholding. Staying informed about tax obligations and seeking assistance when necessary can help avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure financial stability.

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