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:
- You expect to owe at least $1,000 (or $500 for state) in tax for 2021, after subtracting your withholding and refundable credits.
- You expect your withholding and refundable credits to be less than the smaller of:
- 90% of the tax to be shown on your 2021 tax return OR
- 100% of the tax shown on your 2020 tax return.
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:
- $2,000 in the current year. 90% is $1,800
- $1,000 in the prior year. 100% is $1,000
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.
