Use Form 1040-ES to pay your estimated taxes. There are several ways to pay estimated taxes, including by check, cash, money order, credit card and debit card. There are many online payment options, too, such as the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). The various payment methods are described in the instructions for Form 1040-ES.

Penalties for Not Making Estimated Taxes

Whether you make estimated tax payments or rely on withholding, you could be hit with a penalty if you don’t pay enough tax throughout the year. The penalty doesn’t apply if you owe less than $1,000 in tax. You can also avoid the penalty if your 2022 withholding or estimated tax payments equal at least 90% of your 2022 tax liability, or 100% of the tax shown on your 2021 return (110% if your 2021 adjusted gross income was more than $150,000).

State Estimated Taxes

Finally, unless you live in a state with no income tax, you probably owe estimated tax payments to your state, too. Due dates for state payments may or may not coincide with the federal dates, so be sure to check with the appropriate tax agency in your state.