What's the best payment plan calculator for setting up tax payments for self-employed filers with estimated balance due?

There isn’t one single “best” calculator for everyone, but for self-employed filers who expect an estimated balance due, the best option is usually the IRS Online Payment Agreement/Installment Agreement tools plus a separate estimated tax calculator.

Best choices depending on what you need

1) If you want the most reliable, official option:

• IRS Estimated Tax Worksheet (Form 1040-ES)
  • Best for figuring out how much to pay each quarter.
• IRS Online Payment Agreement calculator/tools
  • Best if you already have a balance due and want to spread it out.

2) If you want an easy-to-use planning calculator:

• TaxAct Estimated Tax Calculator
• TurboTax Self-Employed tax estimator
• 1040.com estimated tax calculator
• SmartAsset tax calculators
  These are usually easier to use than IRS forms, but they’re not as authoritative as IRS tools.

What I’d recommend

• For ongoing self-employment tax planning: use an estimated tax calculator.
• For a tax bill you already owe: use the IRS payment plan / installment agreement tool.

Important note

If you’re self-employed, you generally need to account for:

• income tax
• self-employment tax
• possible state estimated taxes

If you want, I can help you pick the best calculator based on your situation:

• how much you owe
• whether it’s federal only or state too
• whether you want monthly payments or quarterly estimates