Pennsylvania Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments for Freelancers
Everything self-employed workers in Pennsylvania need to know about estimated quarterly tax payments in 2026.
Pennsylvania Tax at a Glance
Pennsylvania has one of the lowest flat state income tax rates at 3.07%. This applies to virtually all taxable income for residents. Many Pennsylvania municipalities also levy a local earned income tax (EIT), typically between 1% and 3.1%, which freelancers must also pay quarterly. The combination of state and local taxes is still generally lower than states like California or New York. File state estimated payments using Form PA-40 ES through the PA Department of Revenue website (revenue.pa.gov).
Calculating Your Pennsylvania Quarterly Payments
Your total quarterly estimated payment includes federal income tax, self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of net SE income), and Pennsylvania state income tax. Use the TaxCadence calculator with Pennsylvania selected to get your exact quarterly amounts broken down by federal and state.
2026 Due Dates
Estimated tax payments for Pennsylvania follow the federal schedule: Q1 on April 15, Q2 on June 16, Q3 on September 15, and Q4 on January 15 of the following year. Mark these dates to avoid underpayment penalties.
Source: PA Dept. of Revenue
Tax rates shown are as of January 2026. Rates and brackets may change due to new legislation. Verify current rates with your state's tax authority. TaxCadence provides estimates for planning purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice.