Free tool

How much should you pay each quarter?

Gig apps don't withhold tax, so the IRS expects you to pay during the year. Enter what you expect to earn, drive and spend to see your federal estimated tax for each quarterly payment, and when each one is due.

Tax year

Enter amounts per

Gig earnings, including tips ($)

What the platforms pay you before any costs. Use an average week, or your year so far divided by the weeks worked.

Business miles

Deducted at the IRS standard mileage rate: $0.70 per mile for 2025; for 2026, $0.725 to June 30 and $0.76 from July 1 (about $0.743 averaged over the year).

Other business expenses ($)

The business share of your phone plan, hot bags, parking and tolls on trips. Gas and car repairs are covered by the mileage rate, so leave them out.

Pay each quarter

—

Taxable profit —

Self-employment tax —

Income tax —

Get these numbers from your real trips

How it's calculated

Profit = earnings − business miles × the IRS rate − other expenses. Self-employment tax is 15.3% on 92.35% of profit (Social Security stops at the yearly wage base). Federal income tax uses the single-filer brackets after the standard deduction, half of your self-employment tax and the 20% qualified business income deduction. The yearly total is split into four equal payments.

It assumes gig work is your only income. A W-2 job, a spouse's income or other filing statuses change the answer, and state tax isn't included. It's a planning guide, not tax advice.

Why the dates look odd

The IRS periods aren't calendar quarters: Jan–Mar is due April 15, Apr–May is due June 15, Jun–Aug is due September 15, and Sep–Dec is due January 15 of the next year. A date on a weekend or holiday moves to the next business day. Paying late can add an underpayment penalty, even if you pay in full in April.

Gigstrak keeps this estimate up to date from the trips, income and expenses you log, and shows the next due date in the app.