Self-employed and employed

[sierra_lady]

I have a regular job, teaching college part-time; I'm also a freelance writer. Thus far, every year I've received a refund on both state (CA) and federal taxes, but since I'll be earning a bit more with my freelancing in 2025, I'm wondering if I should be making quarterly tax payments.  How do I determine if I should be doing this?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/self-employed/self-employed-tax-deductions-

calculator-2021-2022-50907/

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901110-do-i-need-to-make-estimated-tax-payments-to-the-irs

If you live in a state with a state income tax, you might need to make estimated payments to your state.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/self-employed/

[Mike9241]

if you don't mind owing, but without penalties, when you file your 2025 in 2026return here are the federal safe harbor rules

 There will be no federal penalties in 2025 for not paying enough in taxes during the year if withholding and

1. timely estimated tax payments equal or exceed 90% of your 2025 tax or
2. timely estimated tax payments equal or exceed 100% of your 2024 tax (110% if your 2024 adjusted gross income was more than $150K) or
3. the balance due after subtracting taxes withheld from 90% of your 2025 tax is less than $1,000 or
4. your total taxes are less than $1,000

CA 

read sections B and C. note that those affected by the CA wildfires probably have a different requirement

https://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/2025/2025-540-es-instructions.pdf