95820
New Member

when done filling out the taxes i keep getting "Underpayment of Estimated tax by individual estates and trust. Why! I've never had this before.

 
Cynthiad66
Expert Alumni

Deductions & credits

If you have a balance due on your tax return, then there is an offer to setup estimated payments for next years taxes to avoid owing.

 

Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders, generally have to make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more when their return is filed.

 

You may have to pay estimated tax for the current year if your tax was more than zero in the prior year. See the worksheet in Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals, or Form 1120-W, Estimated Tax for Corporations, for more details on who must pay estimated tax.

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95820
New Member

Deductions & credits

I don’t have a balance from last year thats why I’m frustrated has to why I keep getting this message. I think I’m installing the program and deleting my tax file and start over. I hope this takes care of the problem. 

95820
New Member

Deductions & credits

Forgot to tell you that I $3,243. I’ve never paid estimated payments. 

JohnB5677
Expert Alumni

Deductions & credits

You do not have to clear and start over yet.  If your taxes are up to date and you don't owe anything you do not have to pay estimated taxes.  

 

If you have a 1040-ES voucher for the current year you do not have to pay it.  The IRS knows if you owe taxes and they want their money as soon as possible, but you will not get a tax notice if you don't pay estimates.  You may however, be subject to penalties and interest.

 

The underpayment penalty may apply if :

  • The amount of tax you paid during the tax year is less than 90% of the tax that you owed for the current year. 
    • Example:  in 2020 you had $8,500 withheld in taxes.  Your 2020 tax return shows that you owe $10,000.  That is less than 90% and there will be a penalty.
  • The amount you paid during the tax year didn’t at least equal 100% of your taxes owed the prior year. 
    • Example:  Your 2019 tax return showed that you had $9,000 as a total tax obligation.  You paid $9,001 in withholdings in 2020.  Your 2020 tax bill comes in at $20,000.  There is no penalty because you paid 100% of the 2019 tax.
  • The IRS also says you can probably avoid the penalty if the amount you owe is less than $1,000, after subtracting withholdings and refundable credits.
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