What year do my January 2023 estimated tax payment apply to?

[tagteam]

The 2022 tax year.

[VolvoGirl]

Why do you ask?  You can pay the 4th quarter Federal and state estimates by Dec 31 to be sure. If you pay the state estimate by Dec 31 it can also be a 2022 federal deduction if you itemize.  If you pay it in Jan 2023 it will be a 2023 federal deduction.

[DoninGA]

If you pay the fourth quarter 2022 estimated taxes on or before January 17, 2023 that payment will apply to your 2022 taxes.  After that date it would apply to your 2023 taxes.

[rjs]

The payment applies to the year that you designate when you make the payment. You designate the year on the voucher that you send with your check, or by selecting the year if you make the payment online.

Normally an estimated tax payment made in January 2023 would apply to 2022. The first estimated tax payment for 2023 is not due until April 18, 2023.

[VolvoGirl]

We probably should post the 1040ES forms and instructions.  The 4 forms are at the bottom.  The 4th estimate for 2022 is due Jan 17, 2023.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040es.pdf 

[fanfare]

IF=f you try to designate a different year, you run the risk that the entry clerk will not notice the difference and assign the  period you did not want.