Figure 2-A. Do You Have To Pay Estimated Tax?

Summary: This is the flowchart used to determine if a taxpayer has to make estimated tax payments.

Start

This is the start of the flowchart.

Decision (1)

Will you owe $1000 or more for 2011 after subtracting income tax withholding and refundable credits (see Footnote 1) from your total tax? (Do not subtract any estimated tax payments.)

Footnote 1: Use the refundable credits shown on the 2011 Estimated Tax Worksheet, line 13c.

IF Yes Continue To Decision (2)
IF No Continue To Process (a)

Decision (2)

Will your income tax withholding and refundable credits (see Footnote 1) be at least 90% (66 2/3% for farmers and fishermen) of the tax shown on your 2011 tax return?

IF Yes Continue To Process (a)
IF No Continue To Decision (3)

Decision (3)

Will your income tax withholding and refundable credits* (see Footnote 1) be at least 100% (see Footnote 2) of the tax shown on your 2010 tax return? Note: Your 2010 return must have covered a 12-month period.

Footnote 2: 110% if less than two-thirds of your gross income for 2010 and 2011 is from farming or fishing and your 2010 adjusted gross income was more than $150,000 ($75,000 if your filing status for 2011 is married filing a separate return).

IF Yes Continue To Process (a)
IF No Continue To Process (b)

Process (a)

You are NOT required to pay estimated tax.

Continue To End

Process (b)

You MUST make estimated tax payment(s) by the required due date(s). See When To Pay Estimated Tax.

Continue To End

End

This is the end of the flowchart.

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