Why am I being required to make 4 payments over a period of 8 months for calendar year 2018 when I do not know what my financial status be during 2018

[WillK · Accepted solution]

The IRS calculates your estimated taxes due for the next year based on the prior year information. Most people who get the estimated tax vouchers send payment in so they will not be penalized for not paying in during the year. Others decide that they are not going to make the estimated tax payments and would rather pay the penalty when they file and pay their taxes due.