Q4 Estimated Tax Payment Planning
Episode description
It’s the start of a new year, and that means one thing for business owners and high-income earners: it’s time to dial in your Q4 tax strategy.
In this episode, I’m joined by Ryan Dolan (licensed tax pro + advisor on our team) to break down everything you need to know about Q4 estimated payments, the 110% vs. 90% safe harbor rules, and how to avoid surprise tax bills or penalties in April. We cover:
The difference between estimated payments and withholding (and how to use each strategically)
Why the “effective tax rate” savings method often falls short
When annualizing your income makes sense (especially for seasonal earners)
How to plan for Q1 payments now so you’re not scrambling later
Why overpaying a little in Q4 might be better than under-saving all year