Estimated Tax Payment Letter (Form 1040-ES)
Cover letter accompanying a quarterly estimated-tax payment to the IRS via Form 1040-ES.
Live preview
Jordan Alex Taylor
482 Elm Street, Apt 3B, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: +1 503 555 0118
Date: May 4, 2026
Internal Revenue Service
P.O. Box 802502
Cincinnati, OH 45280-2502
(or the address shown in the Form 1040-ES instructions for your state)
Re: Estimated Tax Payment — Form 1040-ES
Tax year: 2026
Quarter: Q2 (June 15)
Taxpayer: Jordan Alex Taylor
SSN: XXX-XX-1289
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Dear Sir or Madam,
Enclosed please find my estimated tax payment for the Q2 (June 15) quarter of tax year 2026 in the amount of $4,250.00.
Payment method: Check enclosed (reference number 4118).
A completed Form 1040-ES voucher for this quarter is enclosed with the payment, with the taxpayer's SSN, the tax year, and "Form 1040-ES" written on the front of the check or money order as instructed.
ADJUSTMENT NOTE
Self-employment income increased relative to 2025 due to additional consulting clients; quarterly amount adjusted upward to avoid underpayment penalty under §6654.
This payment is calculated to satisfy the safe-harbour rule under IRC §6654 by paying at least 100% of the prior year's tax liability (110% if prior-year AGI exceeded $150,000), or 90% of the current year's expected tax, whichever is lower.
═══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Please direct any questions or correspondence to the address and phone above.
Thank you,
_______________________________ Date: ____________________
Jordan Alex Taylor
Prepared by: Self-prepared
Enclosures:
□ Form 1040-ES voucher (Q2)
□ Check enclosed
About this template
Form 1040-ES is the IRS's quarterly-payment voucher for taxpayers whose income is not subject to withholding — most commonly the self-employed, freelancers, gig workers, retirees with significant investment income, and rental-property owners. The four quarterly deadlines are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15 of the following year (note Q2 and Q3 are not actually three months apart). The most consequential rule is the safe-harbour under IRC §6654: pay either (a) 100% of the prior year's total tax liability (110% if prior-year AGI exceeded $150,000), or (b) 90% of the current year's expected tax, whichever is smaller. Hit the safe harbour and the IRS will not assess an underpayment penalty even if your quarterly payments are wildly mismatched to actual income flow. Most filers pay electronically via IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS — both are free and provide instant confirmation. For paper payments, the cover letter and voucher matter: the IRS posts paper payments by SSN and tax year written on the check, so legibly noting "Form 1040-ES, [tax year], [SSN]" on the check is essential. This template is the cover letter that accompanies the payment for your own records and any later dispute.
When to use it
- Mailing a paper check or money order to the IRS for a quarterly estimated payment.
- Documenting an electronic 1040-ES payment for your records.
- Sending a payment that differs from the prior quarter (income changed, prior over- or under-payment).
- Restoring safe-harbour status after an under-paid quarter.
- Adjusting estimates after a major life change (marriage, new business, large capital gain).
What to include
- Taxpayer name, address, SSN, tax year, and quarter.
- Payment amount and method.
- Reference / check / confirmation number.
- Brief note explaining any change from the prior payment.
- Reference to safe-harbour rule (IRC §6654).
- Copy retained for your records.