Second 2026 Estimated Income Tax Payment Is Due June 15

The June due date offers a chance to review your estimate after a change in income, employment, or retirement plans.

By: John Napoletano

Published: June 1, 2026

The second federal estimated income tax payment for 2026 is due Monday, June 15. This Internal Revenue Service (IRS) due date applies to taxpayers who need to make quarterly estimated payments during the year. There are two weeks remaining before the second payment is due. Taxpayers should review their planned payment amount, determine if they need to increase or decrease it, and schedule the payment.

2026 Estimated Tax Payment Schedule (Second Payment)

The U.S. income tax system operates on a pay-as-you-go basis. The IRS therefore expects individuals to pay taxes throughout the year as income is earned. For taxpayers following the regular four-payment schedule, the second payment is due June 15, just two months after the first.

• First payment: April 15, 2026.
• Second payment: June 15, 2026.
• Third payment: September 15, 2026.
• Fourth payment: January 15, 2027.

The IRS allows you to skip the final January installment if you file your 2026 return and pay the entire balance due by February 1, 2027. The June and September payments remain due as scheduled.

Who Needs to Make Estimated Payments

Employees typically have income tax withheld from each paycheck. Other income may have little or no tax withheld, which can make estimated payments necessary. Employees may also need estimated payments if their withholding does not cover enough of their tax.

Estimated payments are commonly required for taxpayers receiving:

• Self-employment income
• Freelance and gig earnings
• Interest, dividends, and investment gains
• Rental income and royalties
• Farming and fishing income
• Taxable gains from home or business asset sales
• Taxable alimony payments
• Pensions and taxable retirement withdrawals

Having one of these income sources does not automatically require an estimated payment. Use the Form 1040-ES instructions and complete the included Estimated Tax Worksheet if you haven't already done so for the 2026 tax year. Farmers and fishermen should also check the special payment rules in the instructions.

Major Life Changes Can Affect the Estimate

Starting or leaving a job, retiring, or taking a taxable retirement-account withdrawal can change both income and withholding. A profitable investment sale, an unexpected bonus, or a spouse taking a part-time job can also alter the calculation. Having or adopting a child may change the credits you qualify for. Review these changes along with any tax already withheld before adjusting the next payment.

Use the 2026 Estimated Tax Worksheet to revise the annual estimate and follow the instructions for adjusting remaining payments. If income arrives unevenly due to seasonal work, the IRS annualized income installment method may better match required payments to when income is earned. A later adjustment does not necessarily eliminate a penalty for an earlier underpayment.

Where to Make the Second Payment

IRS Direct Pay lets individuals pay from a checking or savings account without a fee. Direct Pay doesn't require sign-in. You can change or cancel a scheduled payment at least two business days before its payment date. For the second payment of the year, select estimated tax and tax year 2026. Save or print the confirmation number when done. Two to three business days after the scheduled payment date, verify that the money was withdrawn from the bank account you selected.

For the worksheet, instructions, and mail-in vouchers, visit our Form 1040-ES estimated tax payment page. Choose the 2026 edition and print voucher 2 if paying by check or money order. Follow the mailing instructions included with the form.

Income Tax News Preparation 2026