Quarterly Estimated Payments

The IRS does not wait until April. If you expect to owe $1,000+ in taxes, pay quarterly.

Due dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15.

Simple method: Last year's tax bill divided by 4.

How to pay: IRS Direct Pay at irs.gov — free, takes 5 minutes.

If you skip: Penalties and interest. Not huge but money thrown away.

Set calendar reminders two weeks before each due date.