Not self employed, owed $1,100 for 2016, system auto-printed 1040-ES forms. Changing my withholding from 2->1 now. Do I have to pay these?

[abbieewell]

I think I owed extra this year b/c I shouldn't have had the withholding as 2--I'm single with no dependents.  I really don't want to over-pay the IRS...do I have to make these 1040-ES payments?  What is the penalty if I don't?  If I DO pay them and end up over-paying my taxes for 2017, do I get a refund then (I would hope!!)?  Thanks!

[VolvoGirl · Accepted solution]

No they are optional to pay.  They don't get sent with your return so the IRS won't be expecting them.  You can ignore them.  Did you change your withholding?

[abbieewell1]

Thanks for the help! Yes I changed my withholding at work from 2 to 1 using some online thing they have but I need to see if I also have to submit paperwork for that.  I feel like I already get a ton of taxes withheld so now I'm nervous about how much more is going to be withheld...I guess if it's "too much" then I'll get that refunded next year? I suppose it's better to get money back, though, than have to pay depending on your view point.  I just mostly don't want to get penalized somehow? I think that sounds right, though, that the IRS isn't like sitting waiting for my 1040 ES payments and will only take notice of that if next year I owe money and didn't pay those?