Most bloggers, like writers, are self-employed business owners.

That means that their taxes are not withheld from a paycheck and bloggers must make their tax payments directly to the government (federal, state and local).

These payments are called estimated tax payments and should be paid every quarter.

The due dates for estimated taxes are

Since the government as a pay-as-you-go system and it needs money flowing in all year, fall is a good time to estimate your tax and send in a payment.

If you don’t pay your estimated taxes in a timely fashion, and owe the IRS more than $1,000, you might owe an additional tax penalty. Ouch!

If you didn’t owe any federal  taxes last year (i.e., you received a refund), or if you don’t expect to earn at least $1,000 profit in blogging income, you may be able to avoid paying estimated taxes. 🙂

The IRS uses Form 1040ES to have you calculate your estimated tax and has vouchers to mail in with your check.

Prefer paying online? Use the Electronic Tax  Payment System. Sign up for an account at least 2 weeks before you  wish to make a payment.

Carol Topp, CPA