This article is for information only and is not tax advice.
This article answers the question "Did you make any estimated tax payments to the state tax office during 2026 which you paid yourself and not through your employer?" It explains what estimated tax payments are and which payments to include.
What are estimated tax payments?
Estimated tax is the method that you use to pay tax on income that isn't subject to withholding. This income includes self-employment earnings, interest, dividends, rent, alimony, capital gains, and prizes and awards. If no one withholds tax from this income, you pay estimated tax to the tax office yourself.
Which payments does this question ask about?
The question asks about payments that meet all of the following conditions:
You paid the money to the state tax office.
You paid the money yourself, and not through your employer.
You made the payment during 2026.
You paid the money as an estimated tax payment for tax year 2026.
Which payments don't count?
The following payments aren't estimated tax payments for this question:
State tax that your employer withheld from your pay.
A payment of tax that you owe for a previous tax year.
A payment that you made for a previous tax year, such as the fourth installment for 2025.
How do I find the amount that I paid?
Check your payment confirmations, your online account with the state tax office, or your bank statements. Add up all of your estimated tax payments for tax year 2026.
When are state estimated tax payments due?
Each state sets its own due dates for estimated tax payments. The state due dates can differ from the federal due dates. To find your state's due dates, check the website of your state tax office.