How does TurboTax calculate my estimated tax payments?
by TurboTax • 
Updated March 27, 2026 10:34 AM
Based on your 2025 tax info, we’ll use the lower of the following IRS-approved methods to calculate your estimated tax payments.
90% of your estimated 2026 taxes
100% of your actual 2025 taxes (110% if your adjusted gross income was higher than $150,000, or $75,000 if Married Filing Separately)
Are there any other methods that may be used to estimate my payments?
There are two additional IRS-approved methods available:
100% of your estimated 2026 taxes
66 2/3% of your estimated 2026 taxes (farmers and fishermen only)
How do I opt to use one of these alternative methods to estimate my payments?
If you’d like to use one of the additional methods, answer Yes to the question Do you want to adjust your income or deduction? on the Review Your Estimates for 2026 screen. Once you review your income and deductions, you’ll have the option to select from any of the four methods.
