Estimated Tax question

[Ziggai]

I started a new job in the middle of 2019 making significantly more than I did previously. So, for 2019 I had to pay a good bit in tax and turbo tax said I need to make estimated payments in 2020.

Fastforward to this year, and my wife has lost her job due to the pandemic.

I don't expect to have a tax bill like I had last  year.

Do I still need to make the estimated payments?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

The estimated payments are optional.  If you expect to owe at least $1000 at tax time next year, they can be a good idea to prevent an underpayment penalty next year.  If you do not want to use the 1040ES forms you do not have to -- or if you want to pay lower estimated amounts you can cross out the printed amount and write in a different amount if you want to.

[Ziggai]

Thank you. This information is so hard to find. Appreciate your help