JohnB5677
Expert Alumni

Self employed

Yes, you can have an underpayment penalty if you don't have enough taxes withheld to cover the taxes that you owe.

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. 
  • The amount you paid during the tax year did not equal 100% of your taxes owed the prior year. 
  • The IRS also says you can probably avoid the penalty if the amount you owe is less than $1,000, after subtracting withholding and refundable credits.

To avoid this situation it is recommended that you adjust your W-4 with your employer, or pay estimated taxes.


 

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