I am very confused on whether I need to pay estimated taxes or not. I finally won a (non personal injury) lawsuit settlement this year for ~$20k. I received ~$10k in July and will likely receive the rest (after contingency) in October. Because of this extra income, I know I owe a lot of taxes that haven't been withheld. I earned about $42k last year and will earn about $48k this year from my job.
I was reading through 1040-ES (and 540-ES for California State) to figure out whether I need to pay estimated taxes. Only the general rule applies to me because I don't meet any of the exceptions or special rules after the general rule. (Filing single, had tax liability for 2020, not a farmer or fisherman, not self employed, earned less than $75k)
The general rule states I only have to pay estimated taxes if both of these two conditions are met:
The first point is met for both federal and state, but the second point is what is making me confused.
For state taxes: (taking into account standard deduction)
My expected withholding for this year is ~$1400. 90% of my expected tax for my 2021 tax return is ~$3000. The tax shown on my 2020 tax return is ~$900. Because $900 is smaller than $3000, the second point will refer to $900. Because $1400 is greater than $900, I don't meet the second point. I assume this means I don't have to pay estimates to the state. (I understand I still owe the tax next April)
This makes sense to me, however the example California's Estimated Tax Payment Help Page states:
Mr. Smith’s tax liability was:
Since the prior year amount is less than the current year, Mr. Smith must pay at least $1,000 in 4 payments.
This example disregards the estimated withholdings and just means that they must pay the lesser of the two values.
Does this make sense that someone doesn't have to pay estimated taxes if they receive a semi-large unexpected income? Do you think I messed up in my math somewhere? Thank you for reading and for your help.
The general rule states I only have to pay estimated taxes if both of these two conditions are met:
The first point is met for both federal and state, but the second point is what is making me confused.
For state taxes: (taking into account standard deduction)
My expected withholding for this year is ~$1400. 90% of my expected tax for my 2021 tax return is ~$3000. The tax shown on my 2020 tax return is ~$900. Because $900 is smaller than $3000, the second point will refer to $900. Because $1400 is greater than $900, I don't meet the second point. I assume this means I don't have to pay estimates to the state. (I understand I still owe the tax next April)
assuming your 2020 Federal AGI was less than $150K then the 2021 federal withholding you need is $900 or more (provided the $900 above is only referring to your federal tax liability). since you estimate your federal withholding to be about $1400 no federal estimates are required.
you didn't provide your state, your state's 2020 AGI, your actual 2020 or estimated 2021 state tax liability or your 2021 state withholding. so we can't say whether state estimates are needed.
the requirements for each are computed separately. you can't mix state numbers with federal numbers.