Can I make a prepayment by Jan 15 to avoid a penalty?

[Buczar]

I did not prepay any taxes this year (although it is possible I should have).  It looks like I may owe $7-$10k when all is said and done.  If I make 1-prepayment of $10k before the prepayment deadline of 1/15 (even though I haven't made any others) will this allow me to avoid a penalty?

My income did rise significantly, which may help avoid a penalty, but I'm trying to be a bit more cautious.

Thanks

[DoninGA]

See this IRS Tax Topic on the subject of Penalty for Underpayment of Estimated Tax - <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc306.html">https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc306.html</a>

[Opus 17]

In many cases you avoid a penalty if you are paid in full by January 31, or if the amounts you pay in quarterly payments are at least 90% of your total tax liability, or 100% of last year's tax, or 110% of last year's tax, depending on your income.  However, since the tax system is pay-as-you-go, it is possible for the IRS to assess a penalty for underpayment for the first 3 quarters even if you get caught up by the fourth quarter.  Certainly, the more you pay by January 15th, the less you will owe, and smaller your risk of penalty.

[SweetieJean]

You can pay directly here. Be sure to identify it as 2016 1040-ES.
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">https://www.irs.gov/payments</a>