I received an estimated tax penalty on my return. My June estimated tax payment was 21 days late. I overpaid my total estimated taxes. Why am I receiving a penalty?

[m_brad_c]

It is my understanding that the IRS does not penalize you for overpaying your estimated taxes. Is it possible that the penalty is for the late payment of 21 days for my June estimated tax payment?

[LindaS5247]

The IRS will not charge you an underpayment penalty if the following is met:

• You pay at least 90% of the tax you owe for the current year, or 100% of the tax you owe for the previous tax year, or
• You owe less than $1,000 in tax after subtracting withholdings and credits

For high-income taxpayers, the rule is slightly different. If the Adjusted Gross Income on your previous year’s return is over $150,000 (over $75,000 if you are married filing separately), you must pay the lower of 90% of the tax shown on the current year’s return or 110% of the tax shown on the return for the previous year.

Your state will also have their own estimated tax payment rules that may differ from the federal rules.

If you didn't pay enough tax throughout the year, either through withholding or by making estimated tax payments, you may have to pay a penalty for underpayment of estimated tax.

You can get there as follows:

1. Click on the search icon at the upper right of your TurboTax screen
2. Type "underpayment penalty"
3. Click on the link "Jump to underpayment penalty"
4. If you can answer yes to all three questions you may be able to avoid some or all of your penalties.

Your screens will look something like this:

Click here for information on entering your estimated tax payments.

Click here for "How Do I Make Estimated taxes"

Click here for additional information on "How to Determine What to Pay and When"

Click here for common questions on Estimated taxes.

[m_brad_c]

Linda,

Did you not read my question completely? There was no underpayment issue involved. It was about an overpayment or a possible late estimated tax payment. Your answer was not helpful. 

[KeshaH]

The underpayment penalty is assessed by quarter by the due date. Even if you are ultimately due a refund because you overpaid your estimates, you can still be penalized for any quarter that isn't paid by the due date. You're likely seeing this penalty because your Q2 payment was late.

[m_brad_c · Accepted solution]

Kesha,

You are exactly right. I have since found out from a knowledgeable friend of mine that there is a penalty for the late payment of an estimated tax. Thanks for your informative and helpful response!

[m_brad_c]

Kesha,

 I should have noted that your response solved my question. Thanks again!