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lasr
Level 2

estimated tax for unpredictable large stock gains

Gains from stock sales are inherited unpredictable. What to do if I get a significant long term capital gain towards latter part of the year and I didn't expected this gain during the early part of the year? Is there a program like paying tax at the gain without under-withholding penalty?

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2 Replies
Loretta P
Employee Tax Expert

estimated tax for unpredictable large stock gains

Hello lasr,

You would not be charged a federal penalty for under-withholding or not paying enough in taxes throughout the year if:

1. You have timely withholding or tax payments in which the total is equal to or exceeds 90% of your 2024 tax or

2. You have timely withholding or tax payments in which the total is equal to or exceeds 100% of your 2023 tax (110% if your 2023 adjusted gross income (AGI) was more than $150,000) or

3. Your total taxes are less than $1,000

 

You can use the TurboTax Investments Tax Calculators 2023 to help you estimate the capital gains/losses on your investments.

 

You can use the TurboTax TaxCaster Tax Calculator to help you estimate the amount of tax owed or refund due.

 

If it shows you will owe, you have time to make an estimated tax payment before January 15, 2025 to cover the 4th quarter of tax year 2024.

 

Helpful link:

How do I make estimated tax payments? 

Estimated Taxes: How to Determine What to Pay and When 

Underpayment of estimated tax by individuals penalty 

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Terri Lynn
Employee Tax Expert

estimated tax for unpredictable large stock gains

Hello, lasr!

Yes, you can make an extra estimated tax payment, If you receive a large capital gain late in the year.

Generally, you must make estimated tax payments for the current tax year if both of the following apply:

  • You expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for the current tax year after subtracting your withholding and refundable credits, and
  • You expect your withholding and refundable credits to be less than the smaller of:
    • 90% of the tax to be shown on your current year's tax return, or
    • 100% of the tax shown on your prior year’s tax return. (Your prior year’s tax return must cover all 12 months.)   

Making this additional estimated tax payment to cover your tax liability will help you to avoid penalties for underpayment of estimated taxes. The IRS allows this additional payment on top of any other regular quarterly estimated payments you may have needed to pay.

You can make an estimated tax payments, through your online account at IRS.gov/payments, by mail using Form 1040-ES, by phone or from your mobile device using the IRS2Go app.

 

For more information, please see:

Please feel free to reach backout with any additional questions or concerns you might have!

 

Have an amazing rest of your day!

 

 *Please say "Thanks," by clicking the thumbs up icon at the bottom of the post.
**Select the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer.”

 

 

Terri Lynn
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