Q3 Estimated Taxes Are Due September 15: Pay Free With IRS Direct Pay

The deadline is September 15

Third-quarter estimated taxes are due on September 15. If you pay quarterly, this is the date to have your payment in.

This matters most for people who do not have taxes taken out of a paycheck. That includes freelancers, gig workers, small business owners, and people with income from side work or self-employment.

You have a little time to get ahead of it. Paying on or before the deadline helps you avoid extra charges for paying late.

IRS Direct Pay is free

The IRS offers a tool called Direct Pay. It lets you pay your taxes straight from your checking or savings account online, at no cost.

There is no fee to use Direct Pay. You do not need to create an account, and you do not need to pay any company to do this for you.

Watch out for websites or services that charge you to make a government tax payment. The official IRS path is free. Any paid middleman is not required.

What you need before you pay

Have your bank account and routing numbers ready. You will also need identity information from a past tax return so the IRS can verify who you are.

When you finish, you can save or print a confirmation. Keep it for your records so you have proof you paid on time.

Direct Pay also lets you schedule a payment ahead of the deadline, so you can set it and know it is handled.

Frequently asked questions

Who needs to pay estimated taxes?

People who earn income without taxes taken out, like freelancers, gig workers, and self-employed people, often pay taxes in quarterly installments.

Does IRS Direct Pay cost anything?

No. Direct Pay is a free service from the IRS. You pay straight from your bank account with no fee and no company in the middle.

What if I miss the September 15 deadline?

Paying late can lead to extra charges. If you can, pay as soon as possible to reduce what you may owe. Direct Pay is available year round.

Do I need to create an account to use Direct Pay?

No. You do not need an account. You verify your identity using information from a past tax return.