September 15, 2025: Estimated Tax Deadline for Creators and Small Business Owners

If you’re a YouTuber, TikToker, Shopify seller, Amazon business owner, dentist, or small business owner in California, here’s an important reminder:

📅 The next quarterly estimated tax payment is due September 15, 2025 — just 10 days away.

This deadline covers income you earned from June 1 through August 31, 2025. Missing it can lead to IRS and California penalties and interest, making tax season more stressful and costly.

Why Estimated Taxes Matter

The U.S. tax system is “pay-as-you-go.” That means taxes must be paid throughout the year as you earn income.

• Employees (W-2) have taxes withheld from every paycheck.
• Creators and business owners (1099/independent contractors) don’t — so you’re responsible for making payments yourself.

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes for the year, you likely need to pay quarterly.

Key Deadlines for 2025

Here’s the schedule:

• April 15, 2025 → for income earned Jan–Mar
• June 16, 2025 → for income earned Apr–May
• September 15, 2025 → for income earned Jun–Aug (due in 10 days!)
• January 15, 2026 → for income earned Sep–Dec

💡 Pro tip: California follows the same due dates for state estimated tax payments.

How Much Should You Pay?

You have two safe approaches:

1. Safe Harbor Method

• Pay 100% of last year’s tax liability (110% if your income exceeded $150,000).
• Ensures you avoid penalties, even if your actual income is higher this year.

2. Income Estimate Method

• Estimate your 2025 income and divide by four.
• More accurate, but requires tracking income and expenses closely.

💡 Example:
A YouTuber expects $120,000 in 2025 income. After deductions, their taxable income is $90,000, with a federal tax bill of ~$22,000. They should pay about $5,500 each quarter.

If they skip September’s payment, penalties start adding up immediately.

Tips to Make Estimated Taxes Easier

✔️ Open a Separate Tax Account
Transfer 25–30% of every payment you receive into a “tax savings” account.

✔️ Track All Income Streams
Include YouTube AdSense, TikTok Creator Fund, Shopify, Amazon, brand deals, Patreon, and affiliate income. Even if you don’t receive a 1099, it’s still taxable.

✔️ Don’t Forget California
California requires estimated payments if you expect to owe $500+ ($250 for individuals).

✔️ Stay Organized with Expenses
Deducting legitimate business costs (camera gear, software, travel, office space) can lower what you owe.

✔️ Review S-Corp Options
High-earning creators and professionals may save thousands on self-employment tax by forming an S-Corp. Planning ahead matters.

Example:

Imagine a TikToker in Los Angeles who earns:

• $40,000 from AdSense and sponsorships (summer campaigns)
• $15,000 from Shopify merch sales
• $5,000 from affiliate commissions

That’s $60,000 in just three months. Without making a September 15 payment, they’ll owe penalties in April — and face a huge tax bill all at once. By paying quarterly, they smooth out the cash flow and avoid IRS problems.

Bottom Line

📅 With September 15, 2025, just 10 days away, now is the time to review your income, calculate what you owe, and make your payment.

Creators and small business owners who stay proactive with quarterly taxes:

• Avoid IRS and FTB penalties
• Stay cash-flow healthy
• Keep stress levels low when filing in April

For more information about our tax planning services, contact us today: visit our website.

Velin & Associates, Inc

8159 Santa Monica Blvd STE 198/200 West Hollywood, CA 90046
323-902-1000
dmitriy@losangelescpa.org