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How to Submit Estimated Tax Payments (Step-by-Step Guide)

laptop screen showing IRS website for making estimated tax payments

As a business owner or solopreneur, staying on top of estimated taxes is one of the most important parts of managing your finances. Missing these quarterly payments can lead to penalties, interest, and a lot of unnecessary stress. Fortunately, the IRS makes it fairly straightforward to submit your payments online.

TL;DR: Go to irs.gov/payments, select whether you’re paying individual taxes or business taxes, log in or create an account through ID.me, and schedule your estimated tax payment. 

Why Estimated Taxes Matter

a small business owner with boxes behind him; paying his estimated taxes online

Estimated taxes are required if you expect to owe at least $1,000 when filing your return and don’t have enough withholding through a paycheck. This applies to freelancers, consultants, small business owners, and anyone earning income outside of a traditional W-2 job.

By paying your estimated taxes quarterly, you stay compliant with IRS rules, avoid penalties, and smooth out your cash flow instead of dealing with one big tax bill at year-end.

Step 1: Go to IRS.gov/Payments

Start by visiting irs.gov/payments. Here, you’ll see options for both individual tax payments and business tax payments.

  • Individuals (Single-Member LLCs, Sole Proprietors, Schedule C Filers): Click “Pay in Online Account” under the individual tax section.
  • Businesses (S Corps, C Corps, Partnerships): Select Pay in Business Tax Account instead.

For most solopreneurs and freelancers, the individual tax account is the right choice. The rest of this article speaks to the estimated tax process for individual filers.

Step 2: Sign In or Create an Online Account

Someone holding a phone

To access the IRS payment portal, you’ll need to either sign in or create an account. The IRS uses ID.me for secure verification. If it’s your first time:

  • Click “Create an account” and follow the ID.me prompts.
  • Verify your identity using your photo ID, email, and phone number.
  • Set up two-factor authentication (text or phone call).

Once logged in, you’ll see your IRS online account dashboard.

Step 3: Select “Make a Payment”

Inside your IRS account, click the “Make a Payment” button. From here, you’ll choose:

  • Payment Method: Bank account (recommended) or debit/credit card.
  • Payment Type: Select Estimated Tax from the dropdown menu.

Step 4: Enter Tax Year, Amount, and Date

  • Choose the correct tax year (for example, “2025” if you’re paying toward this year’s taxes).
  • Enter the payment amount you want to apply toward your quarterly estimated tax.
  • Select a payment date (either today or schedule a future date).

Step 5: Review and Submit

Double-check your payment details. Once you confirm:

  • You’ll see a payment confirmation screen.
  • The IRS will provide an EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) confirmation number.
  • You can print or save the confirmation for your records.
Man Looking At Estimated Tax September 15th Date

Tips for Success

  • Make payments early to avoid last-minute stress.
  • Keep a record of your confirmation numbers for each quarter.
  • Set calendar reminders for due dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15.

Need Help with Estimated Taxes?

Paying estimated taxes can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure how much to pay. At JBS Corp, we help entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners stay compliant while keeping more of what they earn.

👉 Book a call with JBS Corp today to make sure you’re paying the right amount and avoiding costly mistakes.

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