As the deadline for the fourth-quarter estimated tax payment approaches on January 15, 2024, taxpayers must be vigilant about their financial obligations to avoid unnecessary penalties. The IRS has made it clear that missing this deadline could lead to unexpected charges that can complicate one’s tax return filing. Estimated taxes primarily apply to income derived from sources that do not have taxes withheld, such as freelance work, investments, or small business profits. However, it’s noteworthy that taxpayers could also face tax liabilities from traditional income streams, like full-time employment or retirement funds, particularly if insufficient amounts were withheld throughout the year.
Various sources can contribute to estimated tax liabilities, including year-end bonuses, stock dividends, capital gains earned through mutual funds, and profits generated from cryptocurrency sales. These income streams underscore the imperative for taxpayers to assess their total income comprehensively. Understanding which earnings require estimation can preempt any unwelcome surprises during tax season.
Brian Long, a certified public accountant and senior tax advisor, emphasizes the essence of the pay-as-you-go tax system operated by the IRS, where taxpayers are expected to make tax payments concurrent with income generation. This structure implies that taxpayers who wait until filing time to address their tax obligations risk incurring penalties for late payments.
Failure to make the estimated tax payment on or before the January deadline can result in daily compounding penalties that are determined by both the current interest rates and the unpaid amount. This underscores the importance of proactive financial planning throughout the year. Utilizing tax withholdings or making regular estimated payments can serve as effective strategies to mitigate unexpected tax bills at year-end.
A practical approach to avoid such penalties employs the “safe harbor” rule established by the IRS. Under this guideline, taxpayers must ensure they are paying either 90% of their anticipated tax liability for the current year or 100% of the total from the previous year, whichever is lesser. Interestingly, this threshold shifts to 110% for individuals whose adjusted gross income surpassed $150,000 in the prior year, necessitating careful review of one’s tax returns to ascertain accurate income levels.
As the January 15 deadline approaches, it is vital for individuals to finalize their income figures for 2024, which can simplify the payment process. Sheneya Wilson, a CPA and founder of Fola Financial, points out that having a complete picture of your financial situation mitigates the stress involved in making the final estimated tax payment.
Taxpayers have several options for making their estimated payments, with the IRS online account being recommended for its convenience and transparency, allowing users to track their payment history and dues. Alternatively, taxpayers may opt to use IRS Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or even make payments via debit or credit cards and digital wallets.
Being proactive about your tax obligations and understanding the implications of estimated tax payments can significantly alleviate the burden of unexpected penalties and fees. By staying informed and organized, taxpayers can navigate the complexities of the tax system confidently.