Estimated taxes might be the most misunderstood part of running a small business. If you’re self-employed or just launched your first venture, you may be required to make quarterly tax payments to the IRS—and not just in April.

In this quick 13-minute video, Katie Bunschoten, CEO and Founder of Certum Solutions, walks you through the essential things to know about estimated tax payments in 2025: how they work, who has to pay, what forms to use, and how to avoid penalties.

Watch below, then keep reading for key takeaways and tips you can implement today.

Want help estimating your taxes? Book a consultation or get your year-end prep started with us: Schedule Now

Watch Now: Estimated Taxes 2025 Explained

*Disclaimer Note: This video is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or accounting advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified tax professional. The content focuses on federal estimated tax payments, including how to calculate and submit them. Please note that state and local tax requirements may differ, and it’s important to check with your state and local tax authorities for any additional obligations or deadlines. This video is presented by a participant in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) but is not a substitute for personalized tax advice.

What Are Estimated Taxes?

Estimated taxes are quarterly payments made to the IRS throughout the year, typically by people who don’t have taxes automatically withheld from their paychecks. This includes:

Sole proprietors
Partnerships
S Corporation shareholders
Freelancers and side hustlers

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes for the year after withholding and credits, you’re likely required to file.

2025 Estimated Tax Due Dates

Mark your calendar with these key dates:

April 15, 2025 (Q1)
June 16, 2025 (Q2)
September 15, 2025 (Q3)
January 15, 2026 (Q4)

⚠️ Note: These don’t follow standard calendar quarters

2025 tax deadlines - free downloadable

How to Calculate What You Owe

You’ll want to use IRS Form 1040-ES and consider:
Your estimated income for the year
Self-employment tax (EE and ER fica)
Business deductions and credits
Any W-2 withholdings if you still have a part-time job

Katie breaks down how to use the 1040-ES worksheet in the video and shares her best tips for business owners.

Pro Tip:

Even if you work with a tax preparer, the IRS sees you as responsible for getting payments right. The more you know, the better you’ll sleep come April.

Avoiding Penalties

The best way to stay out of trouble?

Keep a tax savings account year-round
Work with a trusted advisor (…Certum Solutions 😉)
Pay a little extra each quarter to ensure you’re covered
Use the IRS online account to monitor your tax status

Ready to Plan Ahead?

Don’t wait until the end of the year to get surprised by your tax bill. Book a strategy session today to forecast your estimated payments, evaluate your business structure, and avoid costly mistakes.

👉 Schedule a consultation with Certum Solutions: Book Your Free 30 min. Consultation Today

*Disclaimer Note: This video is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or accounting advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified tax professional. The content focuses on federal estimated tax payments, including how to calculate and submit them. Please note that state and local tax requirements may differ, and it’s important to check with your state and local tax authorities for any additional obligations or deadlines. This video is presented by a participant in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) but is not a substitute for personalized tax advice.