New Jersey Estimated Tax Payments
Quarterly estimated payment schedule for New Jersey in 2026, with federal comparison.
New Jersey Division of Taxation
https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation
Federal Schedule (Reference)
Federal Individual Estimated Payments (Form 1040-ES)
Apr 15, 2026
25 days awayJun 15, 2026
86 days awaySep 15, 2026
178 days awayJan 15, 2027
300 days awayNew Jersey Estimated Payment Schedule
Quarterly dates by entity type. Dates matching the federal schedule are noted.
individual
Apr 15, 2026
25 days awayJun 15, 2026
86 days awaySep 15, 2026
178 days awayJan 15, 2027
300 days awayMatches federal schedule
Sole Proprietorship
Apr 15, 2026
25 days awayJun 15, 2026
86 days awaySep 15, 2026
178 days awayJan 15, 2027
300 days awayMatches federal schedule
C Corporation
Apr 15, 2026
25 days awayJun 15, 2026
86 days awaySep 15, 2026
178 days awayDec 15, 2026
269 days awayFederal vs. New Jersey Comparison
| Quarter | Federal | New Jersey | Match? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 | Apr 15, 2026 | Apr 15, 2026 | Same |
| Q2 | Jun 15, 2026 | Jun 15, 2026 | Same |
| Q3 | Sep 15, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 | Same |
| Q4 | Jan 15, 2027 | Jan 15, 2027 | Same |
New Jersey Estimated Tax Payments: Complete Guide
New Jersey has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 1.4% to 10.75% for income over $1 million. If you expect to owe $400 or more in NJ income tax after subtracting withholding and credits, you are required to make quarterly estimated payments using Form NJ-1040-ES. This threshold is significantly lower than many other states, meaning more New Jersey taxpayers must file estimated payments.
Penalty for Underpayment
New Jersey imposes an underpayment interest charge on taxpayers who fail to make sufficient estimated payments. The interest rate is set quarterly by the Division of Taxation and is typically tied to the prime rate. The penalty applies to each quarter individually, meaning even one missed payment can trigger a charge. The penalty is calculated from the due date of the missed payment until the date the tax is actually paid or the filing deadline, whichever is earlier.
Safe Harbor Rules
To avoid the underpayment interest in New Jersey, you must pay at least 80% of your current year's tax liability through estimated payments and withholding, or 100% of the prior year's tax liability (110% if your NJ gross income exceeds $150,000, or $75,000 for married filing separately). New Jersey's 80% current-year safe harbor is more generous than the typical 90% federal threshold, but the lower $400 payment trigger means more taxpayers are subject to estimated payment requirements.
Payment Methods
- NJ Online Payment Portal: Make payments electronically through the NJ Division of Taxation website at nj.gov/treasury/taxation using your bank account (free).
- Credit/Debit Card: Available through Official Payments (ACI Payments) with a convenience fee.
- Mail: Send Form NJ-1040-ES voucher with a check or money order payable to "State of New Jersey - TGI" to the address on the form.
- NJ Fast File: Phone-based payment system for making estimated tax payments by phone.
Special Considerations for NJ Taxpayers
New Jersey does not allow a deduction for federal taxes paid. The state also taxes all retirement income (pensions, 401(k), IRA distributions) above an exclusion amount, which means retirees often need to make estimated payments. Additionally, New Jersey has a separate Corporation Business Tax (CBT) with its own estimated payment requirements for C-corporations, due on the 15th day of the 4th, 6th, 9th, and 12th months of the tax year.
Entity Types Without State Estimated Payments
The following entity types do not have state-level estimated payment requirements listed for New Jersey:
- Partnership — Calendar-year due date follows federal timing for pass-through entities.
- S Corporation — Calendar-year due date follows federal timing for pass-through entities.
- LLC — Calendar-year due date follows federal timing for pass-through entities.
- Nonprofit — Nonprofit annual return generally due the 15th day of the 5th month.
Back to New Jersey Tax Deadlines
View all filing deadlines, extensions, and entity-specific information for New Jersey.
Nearby States Estimated Payments
Compare estimated payment schedules with neighboring states.
FAQ
Does New Jersey require estimated tax payments?
Yes. New Jersey requires quarterly estimated tax payments for taxpayers who expect to owe state income tax during the year. This applies to individual, Sole Proprietorship, C Corporation. If your expected tax liability exceeds the state's minimum threshold after accounting for withholding and credits, you are generally required to make estimated payments. Failure to pay estimated taxes can result in underpayment penalties and interest charges from New Jersey Division of Taxation.
When are New Jersey estimated tax payments due in 2026?
New Jersey estimated tax payments for 2026 are due on the following dates: Apr 15, 2026, Jun 15, 2026, Sep 15, 2026, Jan 15, 2027. These quarterly payments cover income earned during each respective period. The first payment (Q1) covers January through March, Q2 covers April through May, Q3 covers June through August, and Q4 covers September through December. If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the payment is due the next business day.
What happens if I miss an estimated tax payment in New Jersey?
If you miss an estimated tax payment in New Jersey, you may be subject to an underpayment penalty. New Jersey Division of Taxation calculates this penalty based on the amount of underpayment, the period of underpayment, and the applicable interest rate. The penalty is typically assessed on Form Form NJ-1040 / NJ-1040NR when you file your annual return. To avoid penalties, ensure each quarterly payment meets the required threshold — generally the lesser of 90% of the current year's tax or 100% of the prior year's tax (110% for higher-income taxpayers).
How do I calculate New Jersey estimated tax payments?
To calculate your New Jersey estimated tax payments: (1) Estimate your total expected New Jersey taxable income for 2026. (2) Calculate the tax owed using current New Jersey tax rates and brackets. (3) Subtract any expected withholding and credits. (4) Divide the remaining amount by four for equal quarterly payments. Alternatively, you can use the annualized income installment method if your income is not evenly distributed throughout the year. Visit New Jersey Division of Taxation at https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation for official worksheets and calculators.
Are New Jersey estimated payment dates the same as federal?
Yes, New Jersey follows the same quarterly schedule as the federal government for most entity types. This makes it convenient to submit both federal and state estimated payments at the same time.
What form do I use for New Jersey estimated payments?
New Jersey has its own estimated payment voucher form. Contact New Jersey Division of Taxation at https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation for the correct form, instructions, and electronic payment options. Many states now offer online portals for making estimated payments directly.