Q3 Estimated Tax Deadline: What You Need to Know Before September 15

If you have 1099, self-employment, or locum income, September 15 is one of the most important dates on your tax calendar and it’s easy to miss if you’re only thinking about April.

Why it matters: The IRS requires quarterly estimated tax payments for anyone who expects to owe more than $1,000 for the year after withholding and credits. Miss a quarterly payment, and you can be charged an underpayment penalty even if you pay everything owed in full by April 15.

Who this applies to:
– Physicians, CRNAs, and other medical professionals with 1099 or locum income
– Business owners and independent contractors
– Anyone with significant income not subject to withholding (investment income, rental income, side consulting)

What to do before September 15: Review your year-to-date income and confirm your Q3 payment reflects what you’ve actually earned so far this year not just a copy of last quarter’s estimate. If your income has changed significantly, this is the moment to adjust.

Not sure if this applies to you, or how much to send? That’s exactly the kind of question a proactive tax relationship should answer before the deadline, not after.

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