pay next year's taxes

dondiegoflores · ‎March 31, 2026

I'm getting a refund on this year's taxes, so why do I have to estimated taxed for next year?

MinhT1

The fact that you are getting a refund for tax year 2025 does not affect your obligation to pay estimated taxes for 2026, especially if your have income for which no taxes are withheld such as self-employment income or capital gains.

The tax laws say that you avoid a penalty for underpayment if you paid withholding and estimated tax of at least 90% of the tax for the current year or 100% (or 110% if your AGI is over $150,000 or over $75,000 if MFS) of the tax shown on the return for the prior year, whichever is smaller.

Please read this IRS document.

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xmasbaby0

If you are referring to the four 1040ES vouchers, those are optional for you to use. You are not required to use them or to pay quarterly estimated tax. If you expect to owe at least $1000 for 2026, you can use them to make estimated quarterly payments to avoid a big tax bill next year or to avoid an underpayment penalty. If you choose not to use them, that is okay; you can just shred them.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**