Pay Estimated Tax

Certain individuals are required to pay estimated tax.

You must pay state taxes as you earn or receive income during the year. If you are self-employed or you receive other income that’s not subject to withholding (e.g., interest, dividends, alimony, capital gains, and prizes), then you most likely need to make estimated tax payments.

How Do I … Pay Estimated Tax?

  • Determine How Much Estimated Tax You Need to Pay

    The amount of estimated tax you need to pay depends on the amount of income you reasonably think you’ll earn during the year. If you’re not sure what amount to pay, the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR) provides a schedule for computing your estimated tax as well as a tax rate schedule in its Tax Booklet.

  • Decide If You Want to Pay in Full or in Quarterly Installments

    You have two options for paying your estimated tax. You can pay it all at once when you make your first required installment, or you can pay it in quarterly installments during the year. If you pay in installments, each one is due on or before April 15, June 15, September 15, and the following January 15.

  • Choose How to Make Your Payment

    You can pay your estimated tax electronically with DOR, by mail, or in person.

    • Pay electronically directly with DOR
      • Use the Georgia Tax Center (GTC), the DOR’s secure electronic self-service portal, to manage and pay your estimated tax.
      • If you’re not yet registered with the GTC, simply follow the instructions GTC provides to create an account.
      • Fill out and submit any required forms.
      • Follow all instructions to complete the forms and be sure to verify that all your information is correct before submitting.
      • Pay your estimated tax via one of the payment options provided.
    • Pay by mail or in person
      • Paying your estimated tax electronically is the fastest method. However, you can pay by mail or in person using an estimated tax payment voucher.
      • If you do not already have a voucher, create one using the 500-ES Individual and Fiduciary Estimated Tax Payment Voucher form.
      • Follow all instructions on the form and be sure to verify that all your information is correct before submitting.
      • To pay by mail, follow the instructions provided in the form.
      • To pay in person, you will need to schedule an appointment with the DOR.
  • Next Steps

    If you’ve paid all your estimated tax at once, you will not need to make any additional payments for the tax year. If you’ve chosen to pay in quarterly installments, be sure to continue to make payments when they are due (on or before April 15, June 15, September 15, and the following January 15).


Disclaimer: General This information was prepared as a public service of the State of Georgia to provide general information, not to advise on any specific legal problem. It is not, and cannot be construed to be, legal advice. If you have questions regarding any matter contained on this page, please contact the related agency.

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