Freelance Cash DeskQuarterly tax set-aside calculator for freelancers
Enter what you collected each quarter and the share you save for taxes. See how much to have set aside before each usual IRS estimated-tax due date. Free, no sign-up, runs in your browser.
| Quarter | Income collected ($) | Business expenses ($) | Suggested set-aside | Usual IRS due date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year |
How it works
Each time a client pays you, move a fixed share into a separate savings account so the money is there when estimated payments come due. Enter what you collected in each quarter and this shows how much that share comes to. The quarters follow the IRS estimated-tax periods (January to March, April to May, June to August, September to December), which are uneven on purpose. When a due date falls on a weekend or holiday it moves to the next business day, so always confirm the dates on IRS.gov.
Want this math to run on your real numbers all year?
Freelance Cash Desk is a $17 Excel and Google Sheets workbook. It has this calculator built in, plus invoices that flag themselves overdue, an expense log, a dashboard, and a quarterly set-aside organizer that fills from the income you log. No macros, no subscription.
See what's inside or buy now for $17Questions
What percentage should I set aside?
Many US freelancers start somewhere between 25 and 35% of what they collect, because it has to cover self-employment tax plus income tax. Your real number depends on your income, deductions and state, so confirm it with a tax professional.
Is this how much I owe the IRS?
No. It's a savings habit, not a tax calculation. It shows a share of your income to put aside. Your actual estimated payment can be higher or lower. Use IRS Form 1040-ES or a tax professional to work out what you owe.
Why are the quarters uneven?
The IRS estimated-tax periods are January to March, April to May, June to August, and September to December. Payments are usually due April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15 of the next year, moving to the next business day when a date falls on a weekend or holiday.
Do you store what I type?
No. The math runs in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere.
This calculator is a planning tool. It isn't tax, legal, or accounting advice. Check figures and due dates on IRS.gov or with a qualified tax professional.