Quarterly Taxes for Therapists: What You Need to Know (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
Running your own therapy practice is incredibly rewarding—but also incredibly demanding. You’re holding space for your clients, managing schedules, marketing your services, and yes... trying to keep up with your finances.
So let’s make one piece easier: quarterly taxes.
Here’s a simple, therapist-friendly guide to help you understand what they are, how to handle them, and how to avoid last-minute stress.
What Are Quarterly Taxes?
When you're self-employed, no one withholds taxes from your paycheck—so the IRS expects you to pay estimated taxes four times per year based on what you’re earning.
For most private practice therapists, this includes:
Federal income tax
Self-employment tax (for Social Security + Medicare)
Possibly state income tax, depending on where you live
When Are They Due?
Quarterly taxes are typically due on the following dates:
April 15 – for income earned Jan–Mar
June 15 – for income earned Apr–May
September 15 – for income earned Jun–Aug
January 15 (of the following year) – for income earned Sep–Dec
If the date falls on a weekend or holiday, it usually moves to the next business day.
How Much Should I Be Paying?
A safe starting point is to set aside 15-20% of your gross income for taxes. Your actual rate depends on your income level, state, deductions, and filing status.
If you’re working with a bookkeeper or tax professional, they can:
Review your actual earnings
Project your estimated tax liability
Help you pay the right amount without guessing
Tip: Set up a separate savings account just for taxes, and transfer money to it regularly—either weekly or monthly. That way, it’s ready when payments are due.
What Happens If I Miss a Payment?
Missing or underpaying a quarterly tax payment can result in a small IRS penalty—usually just a percentage of what was owed. It’s not catastrophic, but it can add up over time if it becomes a pattern.
The best thing to do if you’ve missed a deadline is:
Don’t panic
Make the next payment as soon as possible
Adjust your savings strategy going forward
You Don’t Have to Handle This Alone
Quarterly taxes are one of the top sources of stress for therapists—but they don’t have to be. With the right systems in place and a little ongoing support, tax time can feel manageable... maybe even boring (in the best way).
Want to Make Quarterly Taxes Easier?
I help therapists set up calm, sustainable financial systems so you always know where your money stands—and what you need to save for taxes.
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