Washington Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments for Freelancers
Everything self-employed workers in Washington need to know about estimated quarterly tax payments in 2026.
Washington Tax at a Glance
Washington has no state income tax on earned income, making it very favorable for freelancers and self-employed workers. Your estimated quarterly payments go entirely to the IRS for federal taxes. Washington did enact a 7% tax on capital gains exceeding $250,000 starting in 2023, but this does not apply to ordinary freelance income. Washington does have a Business and Occupation (B&O) tax that applies to gross receipts, but sole proprietors with less than $28,000 in gross receipts per year are generally exempt.
Calculating Your Washington Quarterly Payments
Your total quarterly estimated payment includes federal income tax, self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of net SE income), and no state income tax since Washington does not levy one. Use the TaxCadence calculator with Washington selected to get your exact quarterly amounts broken down by federal and state.
2026 Due Dates
Estimated tax payments for Washington 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: WA 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.