2026 Q1 quarterly taxes in Turbotax

[emmaelotter]

Hi, I have filed already and remember that towards the end of the process, Turbotax asked if I want to file Q1 taxes for 2026. I said yes and went through all the questions to estimate the amount. However, I don't think Turbotax prompted me to pay this. I only paid my 2025 taxes.

I don't know if I even officially filed this quarterly tax (is it needed?) and how to pay... can someone help me with what I need to do before the 15th? I've searched all the help articles and online and have no idea how to confirm what else needs to be done. This is my first time doing quarterlys. Thank you!!

[JohnB5677]

You can check your estimated payments by

• Logging in to your IRS Online Account 
• You can view up to 5 years of payment history.

[emmaelotter]

Ok, I looked and I do not see a quarterly payment other than the federal tax I paid recently for 2025. I am very confused, why would I have to estimate my 2026 q1 taxes and where did that information go? I am unsure of what to do next to pay them.

[VolvoGirl]

Did Turbo Tax print out the 4 quarterly estimated slips for 2026?  They are optional to pay.

If you want to make estimated pre payments for next year go to.....

Federal Taxes or Personal (Home&Business version)
Other Tax Situations
Other Tax Forms
Form W-4 and Estimated Taxes - Click the Start or Update button

Say No to W4. When you get to the W4 and Estimated Taxes section, say you want to adjust your income to go though all the screens.

You must make quarterly estimated tax payments for the current tax year if both of the following apply:

- 1. You expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for the current tax year, after subtracting your withholding and credits.

- 2. You expect your withholding and 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 tax return must cover all 12 months).

[emmaelotter]

What do you mean by print out the 4 quarterly estimated slips? I do know I need to pay them I just need to know if I need to file something in Turbotax and where that estimated number went.

[VolvoGirl]

If Turbo Tax thinks you need to pay estimated payments it will download and print out the 4 quarterly 1040ES payment slips (which are optional to pay).   You can either mail in the 1040ES slip with a check or pay the IRS directly online.    

Print out  your tax return,  

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/saving/help/how-do-i-save-my-turbotax-online-return-as-a-pdf/00/26...

The four 1040ES quarterly estimates are due
April 15, 2026
June 15, 2026
Sept 15, 2026
Jan 15, 2027
Your state will also have their own estimate forms.

[emmaelotter]

Thanks for the information I am just still very confused. Because how do I access these payment slips? Are these in my 2025 tax return? And where exactly do I see the amounts? Could you please provide the next step on how to access this information? I didn't receive anything after I filed my taxes. Also you note that it's optional but it's not (I have been told), because I have gotten penalties for underpayment, so I do need to pay these quarterly I believe.

[DianeW777]

As long as you follow the steps to estimate your taxes for 2026 and request the vouchers they will print with your tax return when you choose to print it out.  Be sure to select all worksheets and statements.

Take a look at that section of your return and you can see if you should consider estimated payments. As you step through the screens answer any questions and you can choose not to print the vouchers if you don't need or want them. Follow the steps in the link below.

• How do I print estimated tax vouchers? - Steps printed below for convenience.

1. Open or continue your return.
2. Navigate to the 1040-ES section:
3. TurboTax Online/Mobile: Go to the 1040-ES screen under Other Tax Situations.
4. TurboTax Desktop: Search for 1040-es and select the Jump to link or,
5. Go to Federal Taxes.
6. Go to Other Tax Situations.
7. Under Other Tax Forms, select Start or Update next to Form W-4 and estimated taxes

Once completed, review your federal return again and the message should be gone. Please update here if you need further assistance and we will help.

@emmaelotter