Virginia Estimated Tax Payments (2026)

Do you have to pay estimated taxes in Virginia?

Yes, if you're self-employed in Virginia and expect to owe more than $1,000 in Virginia income tax for 2026 after withholding and credits, you must make quarterly estimated payments to Virginia Department of Taxation. Virginia raised that threshold from $150 starting in 2026, so it now matches the federal $1,000 threshold. Virginia taxes income at graduated rates up to 5.75%.

When are Virginia estimated taxes due in 2026?

Virginia doesn't follow the standard federal due dates in 2026. The 2026 due dates are:

• Q1, May 1, 2026

• Q2, June 15, 2026

• Q3, September 15, 2026

• Q4, January 15, 2027

How much should you set aside for Virginia estimated taxes?

Plan to set aside 25% to 30% of your net self-employment profit to cover federal and Virginia taxes combined, then confirm the exact amount with the calculator above. On $50,000 of net self-employment profit, federal self-employment tax alone is about $7,065 (15.3% on 92.35% of your earnings). On top of that you'll owe federal income tax and Virginia income tax at graduated rates up to 5.75%.

How do you avoid a Virginia underpayment penalty?

To avoid a Virginia underpayment penalty, pay the smaller of 90% of your 2026 Virginia tax or 100% of your 2025 tax, in four on-time installments. Paying the full amount late doesn't help; each installment has to be on time. You can estimate a federal underpayment penalty here.

What deductions lower your Virginia estimated taxes?

Because estimated taxes are based on your net profit, every business write-off you claim lowers what you owe each quarter. Common deductions for 1099 workers, reported on Schedule C, include the home-office deduction, car mileage, phone and internet, software, and supplies. You can also deduct half of your self-employment tax, and the federal Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction can remove up to 20% of your qualified business income from your federal taxes. Virginia doesn’t allow the QBI deduction, but half of your self-employment tax does lower your Virginia tax, since Virginia starts from the income on your federal return.

Keeper's 1099 tax calculator estimates your bill after deductions, and our write-off guides list the deductions for your line of work.

Note: Figures are current for the 2026 tax year and are for planning, not tax advice. Confirm the details with the Virginia Department of Taxation before you file.

How to file quarterly taxes in Virginia

Filing quarterly in Virginia means two separate payments each period: one to the IRS for federal tax, and one to the Virginia Department of Taxation for your state taxes. Here’s how to do it.

1. Confirm you need to pay. You owe estimated payments when tax isn’t withheld from enough of your income — 1099 or freelance work, investment income, or other untaxed income. Federal and Virginia run separate tests: the state generally requires estimated payments if you expect to owe more than $1,000 in Virginia tax after withholding and credits, subject to its safe-harbor rules.
2. Calculate your federal estimate. Use the Form 1040-ES worksheet (or tax software). Estimate your full-year income, add your federal income tax and self-employment tax, subtract anything already withheld from a paycheck, and split the rest across the year. The estimate at the top of this page gives you a starting number.
3. Calculate your Virginia estimate separately. Work out your Virginia amount on its own using Form 760ES. Don’t just send part of your federal payment to the state — the Virginia calculation is separate, based on your Virginia income tax, credits, and any Virginia withholding.
4. Pay the IRS. Pay through IRS Direct Pay (or EFTPS) and choose the estimated tax / Form 1040-ES option. Select tax year 2026 and save the confirmation number. This money counts only toward your federal taxes.
5. Pay Virginia separately. Make a second payment to Virginia Tax Online Services and select the Form 760ES estimated payment for 2026. Save that confirmation too. This money counts only toward your Virginia taxes.
6. Repeat on each deadline. For 2026, federal estimated payments are due April 15, 2026, June 15, 2026, September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. Virginia sets its own due dates: May 1, 2026, June 15, 2026, September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. Don’t assume the 15th.

Steps reflect 2026 rules and are for planning, not tax advice.