Quartli — Quarterly Tax Estimator

North Carolina Quarterly Estimated Taxes (2026)

Yes — self-employed workers in North Carolina owe quarterly estimated taxes at both the federal and state level. You pay the IRS four times a year (April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15), and North Carolina expects state estimated payments on its own schedule, which for most filers mirrors the federal dates. For 2026 planning, Quartli uses 3.99% — the North Carolina marginal rate for a single filer with about $100k of taxable income under the official 2026 brackets. Your exact rate depends on income, filing status, and state-specific deductions.

Example: freelancer earning $80,000 in North Carolina

A single filer with $80,000 of net self-employment income in 2026 (standard deduction, QBI deduction per Form 8995):

Federal self-employment tax$11,304
Federal income tax$5,344
Federal quarterly payment$4,162
North Carolina state quarterly (≈3.99% planning rate)≈$798

Federal figures computed with official 2026 IRS brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32). The North Carolina figure is a flat-rate planning approximation.

2026 quarterly due dates

QuarterIncome periodFederal due date
Q1Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2026April 15, 2026
Q2Apr 1 – May 31, 2026June 15, 2026
Q3Jun 1 – Aug 31, 2026September 15, 2026
Q4Sep 1 – Dec 31, 2026January 15, 2027

CPA-prepared North Carolina estimate

A licensed CPA prepares your personalized North Carolina state estimate — actual brackets, deductions, and credits, delivered by email within 48 hours, for a one-time $29. Available at quartli.com.

Frequently asked questions

Does North Carolina require quarterly estimated tax payments?

Yes. If you're self-employed in North Carolina, you generally owe BOTH federal quarterly estimated taxes (to the IRS) and North Carolina state estimated taxes (to the state revenue agency). The federal due dates are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15.

What is the North Carolina income tax rate for 2026?

For planning purposes, Quartli uses 3.99% for North Carolina — the 2026 marginal rate for a single filer with roughly $100,000 of taxable income, per the state's official 2026 brackets. Your actual rate depends on your income level, filing status, and North Carolina-specific deductions and credits — a CPA-prepared estimate accounts for all of these.

When are quarterly estimated taxes due in North Carolina in 2026?

Federal deadlines apply everywhere: April 15, 2026 (Q1), June 15, 2026 (Q2), September 15, 2026 (Q3), and January 15, 2027 (Q4). Most states, including North Carolina, follow the same schedule for state estimated payments, but always confirm with the state revenue agency.

How do I calculate my quarterly taxes as a freelancer in North Carolina?

Start with the federal side: self-employment tax (15.3% on 92.35% of net earnings) plus federal income tax, divided into four payments. Quartli's free calculator does this instantly using official 2026 IRS figures. For the North Carolina state portion, Quartli offers a CPA-prepared state estimate for $29.

Reviewed by Lena Hanna, CPA · Last updated June 2026 · Federal figures per IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32; state planning rates per the official 2026 state brackets as compiled by the Tax Foundation.

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