How to Prepare for Quarterly Taxes Without the Stress

May 18

Written By Manyl

If you're self-employed or run a small business, quarterly taxes are part of the deal. But for many business owners, these deadlines sneak up and cause unnecessary stress—or worse, penalties.

The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to stay ahead of quarterly taxes and avoid last-minute panic.

Know Your Due Dates

In most cases, quarterly tax payments are due four times a year:

April 15
June 15
September 15
January 15 (of the following year)

Mark these dates in your calendar and set reminders a few weeks ahead. Preparation is peace of mind.

Estimate Your Taxes Accurately

Your quarterly tax payments should reflect your income to date, not just a guess. A common method is to calculate 25–30% of your profit (income minus business expenses).

Better yet, use a bookkeeping system or hire a professional to run quarterly profit reports and calculate what you owe with accuracy.

Set Aside Money Every Month

Don’t wait until the quarter ends to scramble for cash. Set aside a percentage of every payment you receive—ideally in a separate account—so you’re always prepared.

Pro tip: Automate transfers weekly or monthly to build the habit.

Track Deductions as You Go

Keeping track of expenses throughout the year reduces your taxable income—and the size of your tax bill. Save receipts, log mileage, and categorize expenses as you go to avoid digging through emails in April.

Get Help if You Need It

If you're unsure about your estimated payments or deductions, talk to a tax professional. Paying a little for expert guidance can save you a lot in penalties, stress, and missed opportunities.

Final Tip

Quarterly taxes don’t have to be a source of stress. With a simple system in place, you’ll always be prepared—and never caught off guard.

At Accrual, we help entrepreneurs stay on top of their finances, tax obligations, and growth goals. If you need clarity around your estimated taxes, we’re here to help.

💼 Want a quarterly tax checklist?
Reach out today and let’s get your system set up right.

Manyl