Knowing how to pay business taxes is one of the biggest concerns for Hispanic entrepreneurs in the United States, and for good reason: the deadlines, tax types, and late payment penalties can be confusing. In this guide, I explain, in clear Spanish, which taxes your business must pay, the difference between federal and state taxes, what quarterly estimated tax is, and, most importantly, the 2026 tax calendar with all the key dates so you're not caught off guard and don't pay unnecessary penalties.
How to pay my business taxes: the basics
The first step to paying your business taxes is understanding that how you file depends on your legal structure. A sole proprietor reports the business on their personal tax return; an LLC can file as an individual or as a corporation. In all cases, you need your EIN and to keep organized records of income and expenses throughout the year.
Federal vs. state taxes
In the United States you pay taxes at two levels:
- Federals: income tax and self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare for those who are self-employed.
- State-run: They vary greatly. States like Tennessee, Texas, and Florida don't charge a state income tax to individuals; others, like California, do. Some states also charge a franchise tax or sales tax if you sell products.
Knowing your state's rules is key. If you're calculating your startup budget, it helps to see how much it actually costs to open a business in the USA , including taxes.
What is estimated tax (quarterly estimated tax)?
If you own a business and don't have automatic withholdings from an employer, the IRS expects you to pay your taxes in advance, four times a year, through estimated tax . The general rule: You must pay estimated tax if you expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal taxes when you file your return. These payments cover both income tax and self-employment tax.
Fiscal Calendar 2026: Key Dates
These are the estimated quarterly tax payment dates for tax year 2026, according to the IRS:
- 1rd trimester: April 15, 2026 (revenue from January to March).
- 2nd quarter: June 15, 2026 (April and May revenues).
- 3rd trimester: September 15, 2026 (June to August revenue).
- 4th trimester: January 15, 2027 (income from September to December).
If a due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, the payment is considered on time if you make it on the next business day. You can confirm the schedule and pay online directly on the IRS's official estimated tax website.
Fines for late payment
The IRS can charge a penalty for not paying enough estimated income tax during the year, even if you ultimately receive a refund. The penalty is calculated as interest on the amount not paid on time. That's why it's better to pay quarterly instead of waiting until April with one large payment.
How to organize yourself so you don't fall behind
Set aside a percentage of each sale (many businesses set aside between 25% and 30%) in a separate tax account, mark the four due dates on your calendar, and keep your accounting up to date. A good record-keeping system saves you stress, penalties, and sleepless nights when tax season rolls around.
Conclusion
Paying your business taxes on time not only avoids penalties, but it also gives you peace of mind and allows you to make decisions based on accurate figures. With the 2026 tax calendar in hand and a little organization, complying with the IRS is no longer a headache.
Every business is different, and a mistake on your taxes can be costly. At Jimenez Consulting Tax Services, we help Hispanic entrepreneurs calculate, plan, and pay their taxes correctly, taking advantage of every legal deduction. If you want to get your taxes in order with expert help, learn more about Jimenez Consulting Tax Services.
