what are the due dates for estimated tax payments 2023
For the 2023 tax year, the standard federal estimated income tax due dates for calendar‑year individuals were:
- 1st payment (income from Jan 1–Mar 31, 2023): April 18, 2023.
- 2nd payment (income from Apr 1–May 31, 2023): June 15, 2023.
- 3rd payment (income from Jun 1–Aug 31, 2023): September 15, 2023.
- 4th payment (income from Sep 1–Dec 31, 2023): January 16, 2024.
These dates differ slightly from the general IRS pattern (normally April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year) because in 2023 the usual April 15 deadline was pushed to April 18 due to the weekend and Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C..
What are the due dates for estimated tax payments 2023?
Quick Scoop
For 2023, most self‑employed people, freelancers, and others who owed quarterly estimated tax had four main deadlines. Missing these dates could lead to underpayment penalties, even if you eventually pay in full at filing time.
[7][1]2023 Estimated Tax Due Dates (Federal, Calendar- Year)
| Payment # | Income period covered | Due date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2023 | [1]April 18, 2023 | [1]Shifted from April 15 because of weekend and D.C. Emancipation Day holiday | [1]
| 2nd | Apr 1 – May 31, 2023 | [1]June 15, 2023 | [1]Standard 2nd‑quarter pattern | [7]
| 3rd | Jun 1 – Aug 31, 2023 | [1]September 15, 2023 | [1]Standard 3rd‑quarter pattern | [7]
| 4th | Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2023 | [1]January 16, 2024 | [1]Normally Jan 15, but moved because of the weekend/holiday timing | [1]
How this fits the usual IRS pattern
The IRS “default” schedule for individuals on a calendar year is:
- Income Jan 1–Mar 31 → due April 15. [7]
- Income Apr 1–May 31 → due June 15. [7]
- Income Jun 1–Aug 31 → due September 15. [7]
- Income Sep 1–Dec 31 → due January 15 of the following year. [7]
Whenever one of those dates lands on a weekend or federal/D.C. holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day, which is what happened with April 18, 2023 and January 16, 2024.
[7][1]Practical tips for 2023 payments
- Check if you needed to pay: You generally owe estimated tax if you expect to owe at least a certain minimum amount when you file and your withholding is not enough; the IRS has detailed thresholds and safe‑harbor rules in its guidance. [8]
- Use the “safe harbor” rules: Many taxpayers avoid penalties by paying 100% (or 110% at higher incomes) of their prior‑year tax, spread over the four dates, even if current‑year income is higher. [8]
- Use IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS: These systems let you schedule or make same‑day estimated payments online and get confirmation numbers for your records. [8]
- Watch for special disaster relief: In some years, people in federally declared disaster areas get extended estimated‑tax deadlines, so checking IRS news releases can matter if you live in an affected area. [9][10]
Forum-style perspective & “latest news” angle
“I thought I could just settle up at filing, but turns out the IRS expects you to pay as you go. I got dinged with a penalty for missing the June 15 date for 2023.”[8]
Discussion in tax blogs and financial sites around the 2023 filing season often highlighted that more gig‑workers and creators were getting caught by estimated‑tax rules, especially after income spikes from side hustles in 2022–2023. Many advisors emphasized automating quarterly payments or increasing W‑2 withholding to avoid surprises.
[10][9][8]Key takeaway
- For 2023, remember: April 18, June 15, September 15, 2023, and January 16, 2024 were the four federal estimated‑tax due dates for most calendar‑year individuals. [7][1]
- State estimated‑tax deadlines can differ, so you should always confirm with your state’s revenue department website if that applies to you. [3]
TL;DR
2023 federal quarterly estimated tax payments for calendar‑year individuals were due April 18, June 15, and September 15, 2023, plus January 16, 2024, instead of the usual 15th when holidays/weekends shifted the dates.
[7][1]Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
