As a certified public accountant, the most common question I hear in the spring is, "How much do I actually have to pay the IRS right now?" In a perfect world, the IRS wants 90% of your total tax liability paid "ratably" (equally) throughout the year.
The problem? Most successful people don't have perfectly predictable incomes. Whether it's a year-end bonus, a business windfall, or a volatile stock market, hitting that 90% target is like trying to pin a tail on a moving donkey. If you miss, you face underpayment penalties.
Fortunately, the tax code provides several "safe harbors" and strategic maneuvers. Here are five options for handling your 2026 tax obligations.
