Quarterly Taxes for Photographers Explained

Many photographers are surprised to learn that taxes aren’t only due once a year. If you run your photography business as a freelancer or independent business owner, the IRS generally expects taxes to be paid throughout the year in quarterly estimated payments. If you're new to photography business taxes, you may also want to read our guide on how photographers file taxes.

Quarterly taxes help cover the income tax and self-employment tax that would normally be withheld from a paycheck. Since photographers typically receive payments directly from clients, they are responsible for setting aside and paying those taxes themselves.

Here’s how quarterly taxes work for photography businesses.