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Owner-operator quarterly tax calculator

Nobody withholds taxes from your settlements. Enter what you expect to earn and spend this year to estimate how much to set aside and how much to pay each quarter.

Your 2026 income

Fuel, truck payment interest, insurance, repairs, tires, permits, IFTA, tolls… Keep your receipts. Enter your actual truck expenses here and leave the miles below at 0.

Your vehicle

This IRS rate (72.5 cents per mile for January–June and 76 for July–December 2026) is meant for cars, vans and pickups; it generally is not used for a tractor-trailer. If you drive a heavy truck, leave the miles at 0 and enter your actual expenses above. Ask a tax professional which method applies to you.

Your situation

Your employer already withholds taxes from your paycheck. The calculator shows only the extra tax caused by your 1099 work, which is higher when you also have a salary.

Look up your state's rate. For example, Illinois is 4.95%. Some states, like Texas and Florida, have no income tax.

Set aside for taxes

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— of your profit

Mileage deduction
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Net profit
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Self-employment tax
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Federal income tax (estimate)
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State income tax (estimate)
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Quarterly estimated payment
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2026 due dates: April 15, June 15, September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027.

Rough estimate using 2026 IRS figures and the standard deduction. It is not tax advice. Confirm with a licensed professional before acting on these numbers.

How to use it as an owner-operator

  1. Gross income: everything you expect to be paid for your loads in the year.
  2. Business expenses: fuel, truck payment interest, insurance, repairs, tires, permits, IFTA, tolls and the other costs of running the truck. Your cost per mile figures help you estimate them.
  3. Vehicle: the calculator has a miles section for the IRS standard mileage rate. Most owner-operators deduct their actual truck expenses instead, and the tool warns against counting the vehicle twice. Ask a tax professional which method applies to you.
  4. Per diem: if you use the special trucker rate, see the per diem guide, and ask a tax professional how to enter it.

Why you pay every quarter

As a self-employed person you pay income tax and self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare) yourself, usually in four estimated payments during the year. The result shows an amount per quarter so you can set it aside after each settlement.

Frequently asked questions

Is this tax advice?

No. It is an estimate for planning. Your real tax depends on your whole situation. Talk to a tax professional before you file or pay.

Which numbers does it use?

A rough estimate with 2026 IRS figures and the standard deduction, as stated under the result. The IRS changes its numbers every year, so check them at irs.gov.

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