Why does Turbotax say I do not need to pay estimated taxes when I will owe $2,100?

[willoughbym274]

I am basing that on 100 percent of 2026 tax liability. I do not have any withholdings.

[MarilynG1]

If the $2,100 is due to a one-time event (like a large capital gain or retirement distribution) and you don't expect it again, you don't need to pay estimated taxes.  This may apply if you used the Estimated Payments Worksheet and entered $0 withholding for all four quarters, and also depending on your tax situation for 2025. 

Here's more detailed info on Estimated Taxes.

@willoughbym274 

[willoughbym274]

Thanks for your response. In this case, it is for income from interest, dividends, retirement and Social Security.  I do need to pay the estimated taxes.  However, Turbotax says no estimated taxes are needed.  Is there a way to print the estimated tax vouchers? If not, I will fill them out manually.

[SteamTrain]

@willoughbym274 

In the Federal Taxes section

...in the Other Tax Situations subsection.

There is a menu item for W-4 and Estimated taxes.

....you'll be able to skip the W-4 stuff after you enter that area, and be able to then go thru the preparation of the Estimated tax forms for 2026.

Of course, that doesn't guarantee the data you enter will force the prep of the Estimated tax forms, as it really depends on the data you enter. 

IF it doesn't generate the 1040-ES forms to your liking....yeah, just get the PDF 1040-ES forms from the IRS website and fill them out manually........OR...just use the IRS Direct-Pay website arrange the direct debits and avoid the forms entirely.

Direct Pay with bank account | Internal Revenue Service