For business owners, estimated taxes are rarely a flat, once-a-quarter math problem. Between S-corp reasonable compensation, Schedule K-1 timing, seasonal revenue swings, and California's own overlay of rules, a generic “pay 25% each quarter” approach almost always gets it wrong — either tying up cash you need for the business or quietly building toward an underpayment penalty. This week, we're walking through how to build an actual estimated tax model instead of a guess.

Estimated taxes aren't just an IRS formality — they're one of the simplest tools you have to stay ahead of your tax bill instead of chasing it. Here's why we bring this up every quarter, plus a quick quiz to see where you stand.

LLC or S Corp? The right answer depends on your profit level, your appetite for paperwork, and your California tax picture. Take this 5-question quiz to cut through the noise.

If you own or operate a small business, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal tax year. One of the most talked-about legislative developments heading into the next filing seasons is what’s being referred to as the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”