Farmers: the March 1 rule that replaces estimated tax

If most of your income comes from farming, you can skip quarterly estimates entirely. The trade-off is an early deadline.

Most self-employed people pay estimated tax four times a year. Farmers and ranchers get a simpler option, as long as farming is the main source of their income.

Who qualifies

You qualify if at least two-thirds of your gross income comes from farming, either this year or last year. Gross farm income includes crop and livestock sales, custom hire and government payments.

Your two options

OptionWhat you do
File earlySkip all estimates. File your return and pay in full by March 1.
Pay onceMake one estimated payment by January 15, then file by April 15.

What we need by early February

  • Sale receipts from the elevator and sale barn
  • Your 1099-G for any government payments
  • Crop insurance statements
  • Equipment purchases and trade-ins

More from the index

  1. Selling a combine or a cow herd: how Form 4797 treats it

    The same sale can be ordinary income or a capital gain depending on what you sold and how long you kept it.

    Farm & ranch2 min

  2. The September 15 deadline for S‑corporations, explained

    If your S‑corporation or partnership filed an extension in March, its return is due September 15. Here’s what to send, and what happens if it’s late.

    Small business2 min

  3. Got a letter from the IRS? Read this before you call anyone

    Most IRS letters are routine and fixable. A few are scams. Here’s how to tell the difference in two minutes.

    Tax planning2 min

Start with a 20‑minute intro call.

Free, by phone or video. We’ll ask a few questions, tell you what we need, and quote a fixed fee before any work starts.

The office

214 Commercial Street
Alder Grove, KS 66800

(620) 555-0137

[email protected]
For questions only. Never send documents by email.

Most of the year
Monday to Friday8:00 am – 5:00 pm
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed
Tax season, Jan 15 – Apr 15
Monday to Friday8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday9:00 am – 1:00 pm
SundayClosed

Parking behind the building off Walnut Street. Step-free entrance at the back door.