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?
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/
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/
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
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