Taxpayers who don’t have taxes withheld and who expect to owe at least $1000 in taxes when they file their tax return should make estimated tax payments throughout the prior tax year to meet their tax obligations and avoid penalties. This includes tax payers who are self-employed and also taxpayers who have retirement or investment income.

Taxpayers can figure the amounts of their estimated payments by estimating their income and then deducting expenses and credits that they can claim. Once the amount is figured, it should be divided into 4 payments that should be paid quarterly.

The due dates for 2016 estimated tax payments are:

April 18, 2016
June 15, 2016
September 15, 2016
January 17, 2017

Estimated tax payments can be paid on-line by using IRS Direct Pay or by mail using the vouchers that come with Form 1040 ES.

Additional information about withholding and estimated tax payments can be found here.