Calculate your estimated quarterly tax payments for federal and Pennsylvania state taxes. Designed for self-employed individuals, freelancers, and independent contractors.
PA State Tax: Flat 3.1%
Quarterly Payment Amount
$6,164
Per quarter (4 remaining)
Jan 1 - Mar 31
Due: April 15, 2026
$6,164
Apr 1 - May 31
Due: June 15, 2026
$6,164
Jun 1 - Aug 31
Due: September 15, 2026
$6,164
Sep 1 - Dec 31
Due: January 15, 2027
$6,164
Don't miss your quarterly payments!
The IRS may charge penalties and interest if you underpay or pay late. Consider setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders.
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% income tax rate
One of the lowest flat tax rates in the country
Many localities add local income tax (up to 3.9% in Philadelphia)
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax rate. However, most localities also impose a local income tax. Philadelphia residents pay up to 3.9% in local tax.
Self-employed workers in Pennsylvania face two tax obligations: federal estimated taxes filed with the IRS and state estimated taxes filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. Pennsylvania imposes a flat 3.07% income tax rate on all taxable income. If you expect to owe $300 or more in Pennsylvania state income tax after withholding and credits, you must make quarterly estimated payments using Form PA-40ES.
Pennsylvania's flat 3.07% rate is one of the lowest in the country. However, most localities impose additional earned income taxes, and Philadelphia residents pay up to 3.75% in city wage tax. Pennsylvania does not allow a standard deduction or personal exemption, so all net income is taxable.
| Tax Layer | Rate / Range | Filed With | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal income tax | 10% – 37% | IRS | 1040-ES |
| Self-employment tax | 15.3% | IRS | 1040-ES / SE |
| Pennsylvania state income tax | 3.07% | Pennsylvania Department of Revenue | Form PA-40ES |
Pennsylvania uses a flat tax rate of 3.07%, which simplifies quarterly tax calculations. Regardless of income level, every dollar of taxable income is taxed at the same rate. This makes it straightforward to estimate your state quarterly payments — simply multiply your projected net self-employment income by 3.07% and divide by four.
For a single self-employed worker in Pennsylvania earning $100,000 in net self-employment income, the estimated annual tax breakdown is:
| Tax Component | Estimated Amount | Calculation Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Federal income tax | ~$11,600 | After $15,700 standard deduction, 2026 brackets |
| Self-employment tax | ~$14,130 | 15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings |
| Pennsylvania state income tax | ~$3,070 | 3.07% flat rate |
| Total annual tax | ~$28,800 | |
| Quarterly payment | ~$7,200 | Total / 4 quarters |
State payments can be made online through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue portal at revenue.pa.gov, by mail with a Form PA-40ES voucher, or via electronic funds transfer where available.
All self-employed workers must pay federal self-employment (SE) tax of 15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings. This consists of 12.4% for Social Security (on earnings up to $184,500 in 2026) and 2.9% for Medicare (no cap). An additional 0.9% Medicare surtax applies to earnings above $200,000 (single filers).
Both Pennsylvania and federal estimated tax payments follow the same quarterly schedule:
| Quarter | Income Period | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | January 1 – March 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 | April 1 – May 31 | June 15, 2026 |
| Q3 | June 1 – August 31 | September 15, 2026 |
| Q4 | September 1 – December 31 | January 15, 2027 |
To avoid underpayment penalties, pay at least 100% of your prior-year tax liability (or 110% if your AGI exceeds $150,000) spread across four equal payments, or at least 90% of your current-year tax. You can deduct 50% of your self-employment tax from your adjusted gross income, reducing both your federal and Pennsylvania taxable income.
This calculator uses current federal and Pennsylvania tax rates and schedules:
Federal quarterly tax requirements and Form 1040-ES
Official Pennsylvania tax authority
Social Security and Medicare tax information
This calculator provides estimates based on 2026 tax rates. Your actual tax liability may vary based on deductions, credits, and other factors. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.