Q3 Estimated Taxes Are Due Sept. 15 — 5 Things to Do Right Now (Even If Your Books Are a Mess)
Friday, August 14, 2026
September 15 will be here before you know it. For many business owners and self-employed individuals, that means it's time for the third estimated tax payment of the year.
If your bookkeeping is current, preparing for the deadline may be relatively straightforward. But what if you're a few months behind, or your books aren't quite up to date?
Don't ignore the deadline. There are steps you can take now to get organized and avoid an even bigger scramble in September.
1. Get Your Bookkeeping as Current as Possible
You don't necessarily need perfect books overnight, but you do need a reasonable picture of your year-to-date income and expenses.
Start by making sure bank and credit card transactions are entered and categorized. Catching up now gives you and your tax professional better information to work with when estimating what you may owe.
2. Review Your Year-to-Date Profit
Estimated taxes aren't based simply on how much money came into your business. Your income, deductible business expenses, and other factors all play a role.
An up-to-date Profit & Loss statement can help you understand how the business is performing so far this year and identify anything that looks unusual or incomplete.
3. Check Your Previous Estimated Tax Payments
Before calculating what may be due in September, confirm what you've already paid.
Review your records for the April and June estimated tax payments and make sure those payments are properly documented. Knowing what's already been paid gives your tax professional a more complete picture and helps prevent confusion later.
4. Start Setting Aside Cash Now
If you haven't already reserved money for your September payment, start now.
Even if you don't know the exact amount you'll owe yet, setting aside cash over the next several weeks can make the payment less painful when the deadline arrives. Keeping tax funds separate from everyday operating cash can also help prevent accidentally spending money you'll need later.
5. Get Your Tax Professional What They Need
Your bookkeeper and tax professional play different but complementary roles.
Your bookkeeper can help ensure your financial records are current, accounts are reconciled, and reports accurately reflect your business activity. Your tax professional can then use that information, along with the rest of your tax situation, to help determine your estimated payment.
The sooner you get accurate financial information into their hands, the less stressful September 15 is likely to be.
The Bottom Line
If your books are behind, avoiding them won't make the September 15 estimated tax deadline disappear. Start now by catching up your bookkeeping, reviewing year-to-date results, confirming previous payments, and setting aside cash for what may be due.
Need help getting your books caught up before the deadline? Contact J&S Accounting today. We can help get your financial records organized and up to date so you and your tax professional have the information needed to prepare for your next estimated tax payment.
About J&S Accounting
At J&S Accounting, we provide expert bookkeeping services tailored to the unique needs of small businesses and non-profits. We recognize the challenges that come with maintaining accurate financial records and how vital this is for the smooth operation and growth of your business. As a woman and minority-owned firm, we’re proud to offer our expertise to businesses in Savannah, GA, and across the nation, helping them navigate financial complexities and achieve better financial management.
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Disclaimer:This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.
© 2023 J&S Accounting. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
This content is for information purposes only and should not be considered legal, accounting, or tax advice, or a substitute for obtaining such advice specific to your business from a professional accountant. Additional information and exceptions may apply. Applicable laws may vary by state or locality. No assurance is given that the information is comprehensive in its coverage or that it is suitable in dealing with a customer’s particular situation. J&S Accounting does not have any responsibility for updating or revising any information presented herein. Accordingly, the information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for independent research. J&S Accounting does not warrant that the material contained herein will continue to be accurate, nor that it is completely free of errors when published. Readers and viewers should verify statements before relying on them.