How to set aside money for taxes every week

By QuickBizTrack · Updated October 28, 2026

To set aside money for taxes every week as a self-employed owner, pick a percentage of what you take in (many people start with 25% to 30%), move that share into a separate savings account on the same day each week, and pay it to the IRS in four estimated payments a year. Refine the percentage with a calculator once you know your profit.

Why weekly beats quarterly

Estimated taxes are paid four times a year, and each payment is a large number. If the money was never separated from what you spend, the bill arrives as a shock. Moving a small share every week turns a large bill into a habit, and the account is full on the day the payment is due.

Step 1: pick a percentage

A common starting point is 25% to 30% of profit. The right number depends on your income. Using the same math as our free calculator, a single filer with $30,000 of profit owes about 18% in 2026 federal tax, with $60,000 about 22%, and with $100,000 about 26%, before any state tax. Expenses lower the number because tax is on profit, not sales.

Step 2: move the money on a set day

Choose one day each week, such as Monday, and transfer the percentage of last week's sales into a savings account used only for taxes. Because it is a different account, you will not spend it by accident. If your income varies a lot, a percentage of what you actually took in is better than a fixed amount.

Step 3: know the four dates

Federal estimated payments for 2026 are due in April, June, September and January. The estimated tax due dates page lists the exact dates and the safe-harbor rules that help you avoid an underpayment penalty.

Step 4: keep a running total

Write down every estimated payment you make, with its date and amount, so that you can see at a glance whether you are on track. The Taxes tab in QuickBizTrack does the percentage from the sales you have logged, by quarter, and keeps the payments you have made. It is an estimate for planning and does not file anything for you.

What to remember

State taxes are separate, and so are local taxes. An estimate on a website cannot know your whole situation, so for your own return, use the IRS instructions or a tax professional. This guide is general information, not tax advice.

Common questions

How much should I set aside from every payment?

Many self-employed people start with 25% to 30% of profit. The free calculator on this site gives a closer federal estimate for 2026 from your sales and expenses, and shows the amount to set aside from every $100.

Should I set aside a percentage of sales or of profit?

Tax is based on profit, which is sales minus business expenses. If you do not yet know your expenses, setting aside a percentage of sales is the safe way to start, and you can lower it when you know your costs.

What if I do not set enough aside?

You can pay the difference when you file, and there may be an underpayment penalty if too little was paid during the year. The due dates page explains the safe-harbor rules.

What does QuickBizTrack cost?

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