Guide to Estimated Quarterly Taxes for Crypto

Individuals involved in crypto activities like mining, NFT trading, or realizing capital gains must pay quarterly taxes if they expect to owe at least $1,000 in 2025 (for taxes filed in 2026). IRS Form 1040-ES helps calculate these payments, especially if your crypto-related income is self-employment income.

• April 15, 2026

• June 15, 2026

• September 15, 2026

• January 15, 2027

Late or insufficient payments can trigger penalties and interest. The safe harbor rules still apply if you meet IRS thresholds. If you file your 2026 return by January 31, 2027 and pay the balance due with that filing, you generally do not need to make the January 15, 2027 estimate.

IRS disaster declarations

For the latest IRS guidance on disaster-related tax relief, visit the IRS Disaster Relief page.

The IRS requires quarterly estimated tax payments if:

1. After accounting for withholding and refundable credits, you expect to owe at least $1,000 in tax for the current year.

2. Your withholding and credits will be less than the smaller of:

   • 90% of your total 2025 tax liability, or

   • 100% of your 2024 tax liability (if it covered 12 months).

Crypto taxpayers who typically owe quarterly taxes include:

• Miners earning block rewards

• Investors earning interest, staking rewards, or airdrops

• NFT artists, dealers, or gamers earning crypto income

• Traders with short-term or long-term capital gains

If you're unsure, consult a crypto tax professional.

Use IRS Form 1040-ES to determine how much you need to pay each quarter. If your crypto income includes self-employment earnings (e.g., mining, NFT sales, consulting), you must also calculate self-employment tax (15.3%) for Social Security and Medicare.

Since crypto income can be unpredictable, many investors need to adjust estimated tax payments mid-year if their earnings fluctuate significantly.

Key calculation tip: If your income changes significantly, you can modify your estimated tax payments each quarter instead of paying equal amounts.

See our expert picks of the best crypto trading bots.

The safe harbor rule protects taxpayers from underpayment penalties if they pay enough throughout the year.

• If income is $150,000 or less: You won’t face penalties if you pay at least 90% of your current year’s tax liability or 100% of last year’s tax liability.

• If your prior-year AGI was more than $150,000 ($75,000 if married filing separately): The prior-year safe harbor is 110% of your prior-year tax (instead of 100%). The current-year safe harbor is generally paying 90% of your current-year tax.

Note: You can still face underpayment penalties if payments are late or uneven across quarters, even when your total paid for the year is high.

For 2026 (taxes filed in 2027), estimated tax deadlines are:

• April 15, 2026 – Covers income from January 1 to March 31

• June 15, 2026 – Covers income from April 1 to May 31

• September 15, 2026 – Covers income from June 1 to August 31

• January 15, 2027 – Covers income from September 1 to December 31

You can make payments:

• Online via IRS Direct Pay

• By mailing Form 1040-ES with a check

Even if you pay quarterly estimated taxes, you must still file an annual tax return.

• On Form 1040, report the total amount of estimated tax payments you made.

• These payments will reduce your final tax liability when filing.

• If you overpaid, you may be eligible for a refund.