Managing taxes can be one of the trickiest parts of running an online store—especially when you’re handling everything from inventory to fulfillment. For US online sellers, staying on top of quarterly tax tips helps keep you compliant with IRS rules, avoid penalties, and maintain steady cash flow. Here’s a clear guide to help you plan your estimated tax payments in 2025—plus tips on how smart accounting services can make the process easier.
Here are the IRS deadlines for 2025 quarterly estimated tax payments:
Q1: April 15, 2025 – Covers income from January 1 to March 31
Q2: June 16, 2025 – Covers income from April 1 to May 31
Q3: September 15, 2025 – Covers income from June 1 to August 31
Q4: January 15, 2026 – Covers income from September 1 to December 31
Note: If a due date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it shifts to the next business day.
Most US online sellers need to make quarterly estimated payments if:
They expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal taxes after subtracting credits and withholding
They don’t have taxes automatically withheld (which is common for independent sellers)
Online sales platforms may issue 1099-K forms, but you’re still responsible for reporting and paying income tax on profits—even if you don’t receive those forms.
Use IRS Form 1040-ES to calculate your expected earnings and tax liability. Don’t forget to include income from all channels.
Split the total annual tax into four quarterly amounts.
To avoid underpayment penalties, you can either pay:
100% of last year’s tax (110% if AGI exceeded $150,000), or
90% of this year’s expected total
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EFTPS
IRS Online Account
Mailed check with payment voucher
✅ Counto’s all-inclusive accounting plans for online sellers feature multicurrency support, unlimited transactions, GST submissions, and tax filing—with no hidden fees. Benefit from a dedicated team of experts, including a bookkeeper, Chartered Accountant, and tax specialist. Optimise your e-commerce finances today.
Lower your tax bill by deducting legitimate business expenses. Here are key categories US online sellers often forget:
Product sourcing and inventory
Shipping and postage fees
Website hosting, domain, and e-commerce tools
Advertising and social media promotions
Marketplace transaction fees
Business-use portion of your internet and phone
Office supplies and home office expenses
Tax prep or accounting services fees
The easiest way to stay on top of quarterly taxes? Keep your records clean and current. Make sure you’re tracking:
Sales from all platforms
Expenses and receipts
Inventory purchases
Previous tax payments
Business mileage or utilities (if applicable)
Well-organized financial records also make it easier to work with accounting services if you decide to bring in professional help.
In addition to federal taxes, US online sellers may need to:
File state income tax (quarterly or annually)
Collect and remit sales tax in states where you have economic nexus
Track local filing requirements for specific states or cities
Check your state’s Department of Revenue website for detailed guidance.
Online businesses often see income spikes during holidays or promotional periods. If your profits increase or decrease significantly, you may need to recalculate your quarterly tax payments to avoid overpaying or underpaying.
Handling taxes manually can take up valuable time—especially when you’re focused on product listings, customer service, or fulfillment. Many US online sellers benefit from using accounting services that:
Automate quarterly tax calculations
Organize receipts and transaction records
Maximize deductions to lower your tax bill
Keep you compliant with IRS rules
Offer insights into profit trends and cash flow
These services can help you focus on growing your online store while reducing the risk of errors or missed deadlines.
Quarterly estimated taxes are a key responsibility for US online sellers. By following these quarterly tax tips, keeping detailed records, and staying aware of both federal and state deadlines, you can stay compliant and avoid costly penalties. Whether you manage your own books or work with trusted accounting services, consistency is the key to a smooth tax year.
Counto is the trusted outsourced provider of accounting, tax preparation and CFO services for SMEs and ecommerce businesses. Get accounting plans that combine bookkeeping with corporate tax filing to help you stay compliant at an affordable price. To learn more, speak to us directly on our chatbot, email [email protected], or use our contact form. to get started.
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