𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝘁𝗮𝘅𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆’𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴.

If you are self-employed or run a business, you probably already know that taxes are not automatically withheld from your income. What many business owners miss is that the IRS expects you to pay those taxes throughout the year — not just at tax time.

That is where quarterly estimated taxes come in.

At SmartCloud, we help business owners across Washington stay on top of their estimated payments so they can avoid penalties and unexpected tax bills in April.

Why Quarterly Payments Matter

Estimated tax payments cover both your income tax and self-employment tax. The IRS requires you to make these payments if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes after subtracting withholding and credits.

These payments are due four times a year, typically in April, June, September, and January.

Missing or underpaying can lead to penalties and interest, even if you pay everything in full when you file.

What Most Business Owners Get Wrong

• Forgetting to set aside money for taxes as income comes in.

• Making payments late or missing a quarter entirely.

• Underestimating how much they owe, leading to penalties later.

• Confusing business cash flow with take-home pay.

How SmartCloud Helps

Calculate Your Payments : We estimate your quarterly amounts based on your actual business income and projections.

Monitor Cash Flow : We help you track how much to set aside each month so tax time is never a scramble.

Stay Compliant : We remind you of deadlines, confirm payments are posted, and make adjustments as your income changes.

Integrate Tax Planning : We tie your quarterly payments into your year-end strategy so you do not overpay.

Simple Tips to Stay Ahead

• Open a separate account just for taxes.

• Set aside 25–30% of your income as it comes in.

• Review your income quarterly and update your estimates if things change.

Use IRS Form 1040-ES or your business tax account to make payments online.

If you are self-employed, a freelancer, or a business owner, do not wait until next April to catch up. Visit smartcloud.cpa and schedule a consultation.

We will help you calculate what you owe, stay compliant, and take the stress out of quarterly tax season.

Quarterly payments are not just a requirement. They are a smart way to stay ahead of the IRS and in control of your cash flow.