What the Form Is For
Form IT-2105 is the official payment voucher used by individual taxpayers to make quarterly estimated income tax payments to New York State, New York City, and Yonkers. Estimated income tax represents the method used to pay tax on income when insufficient tax is withheld from your regular earnings throughout the year. This form serves as both a calculation tool and a payment transmittal document, ensuring that self-employed individuals, investors, retirees, and others with non-wage income meet their tax obligations on a pay-as-you-go basis rather than owing a substantial amount when filing their annual return.
The form covers three separate tax jurisdictions: New York State income tax (which all New York residents must consider), New York City resident income tax (for city residents only), and Yonkers resident income tax or nonresident earnings tax (for those who live or work in Yonkers). Each jurisdiction has separate calculation requirements and payment boxes on the voucher, though taxpayers submit one combined payment with each installment.
According to the New York Department of Taxation and Finance, taxpayers use this form when they receive income from sources such as self-employment, rental properties, interest, dividends, capital gains, alimony, prizes, awards, or any other income not subject to withholding. The form works in conjunction with detailed worksheets that help taxpayers estimate their annual tax liability and divide it into quarterly installments.
When You’d Use It (Late/Amended)
Initial Filing Timeline
For the 2013 tax year, the standard due dates for estimated tax payments were April 15, June 17, September 16, 2013, and January 15, 2014. Taxpayers could choose to pay the entire estimated tax amount with the first voucher on April 15, or spread payments across all four installments in equal amounts.
Late Start Situations
If your obligation to pay estimated tax arose after the tax year began:
- If after March 31 but before June 1 → due June 17, 2013
- If after May 31 but before September 1 → due September 16, 2013
- If after August 31 → due January 15, 2014
Alternatively, filing your full return by January 31, 2014 and paying the balance removes the January 15 requirement.
Amended Estimates
Changes in income, deductions, exemptions, or credits may require revising your estimate. The Amended estimated income tax worksheet helps recalculate your obligation.
Annualized Income Method
For uneven income (e.g., seasonal or commission-based):
- Calculates payments based on actual earnings per quarter
- Requires filing Form IT-2105.9 with your annual return
- Helps reduce underpayment penalties
Key Rules
Who Must Pay
You must make estimated payments if:
- You expect to owe at least $300
- Your withholding/credits fall short of:
- 90% of current year tax, or
- 100% (or 110%) of prior year tax
The $300 Threshold
Applies separately to:
- New York State
- New York City
- Yonkers
Safe Harbor Provisions
No penalties if payments meet:
- 90% of current tax
- 100%/110% of prior year tax
- 90% via annualized method
Special Rules for Farmers and Fishermen
- Pay once by January 15 (66⅔%), or
- File by March 1 and pay full balance
Married Taxpayers
- Each spouse maintains a separate estimated account
- Credits combine if filing jointly
Overpayment Application
- Prior-year overpayments can be applied to any installment
Step-by-Step (High Level)
Step 1: Determine Your Obligation
Estimate your 2013 New York adjusted gross income using prior-year data and projected changes.
Step 2: Calculate Your Tax Liability
Apply tax rates:
- NY State: 4%–8.82%
- NYC: 2.907%–3.876%
- Yonkers: 15% surcharge
Step 3: Subtract Withholding and Credits
Include:
- Wage withholding
- Partnership/S corp payments
- Credits
Step 4: Compute Installments
- Divide required payment into four
- Or use annualized method
Step 5: Complete and Submit Vouchers
- Enter accurate name/SSN
- Fill jurisdiction boxes
- Mail payment with voucher
Step 6: Maintain Payment Records
Track all payments using the worksheet provided.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Incorrect Name or SSN Matching
Mismatch causes payment misapplication.
Solution: Use exact legal name and verify SSN.
Failing to Separately State Each Jurisdiction’s Payment
Leaving boxes blank leads to misallocation.
Solution: Fill all applicable boxes clearly.
Underestimating Income or Overestimating Deductions
Leads to underpayment penalties.
Solution: Use conservative estimates.
Ignoring Safe Harbor Rules
Causes unnecessary stress and overpayment.
Solution: Base payments on prior-year tax if applicable.
Missing the Amended Estimate Opportunity
Delaying adjustments increases penalties.
Solution: Recalculate immediately when income changes.
Forgetting to Reconcile Payments
Creates confusion at filing time.
Solution: Track payments consistently or pay electronically.
Not Filing Form IT-2105.9
Leads to penalty assessment issues.
Solution: Always file if using annualized method.
What Happens After You File
Payment Processing and Account Crediting
- Payments processed in 2–3 weeks
- Track via online account or phone
Reconciliation with Annual Return
- Payments matched against return
- Overpayment → refund or credit
- Underpayment → balance due + penalty
Underpayment Penalty Assessment
- Based on interest (7.5% in 2013)
- Calculated per missed deadline
Overpayment Credits
Options:
- Refund
- Apply to next year
Account Reconciliation Issues
Use Form IT-2105.1 to resolve discrepancies.
Electronic Payment Advantages
- Instant confirmation
- Payment history access
- Reduced errors
FAQs
What if I miss a quarterly payment deadline?
Submit payment as soon as possible. Penalties depend on how late the payment is. Continue remaining payments on schedule and calculate penalties during filing, unless safe harbor rules apply.
Can I adjust my estimated tax payments during the year if my income changes significantly?
Yes. Use the amended worksheet to recalculate your liability and adjust remaining payments. This helps minimize penalties, especially if your income fluctuates.
Do I need to file estimated taxes if my employer withholds from my paycheck but I also have self-employment income?
Possibly. If withholding doesn’t cover at least 90% of your tax or 100%/110% of prior-year tax, you must make estimated payments unless you increase withholding.
How do I know if the Tax Department received and properly credited my estimated tax payment?
Check through an online account or call the Tax Department. Verification before filing helps avoid delays or notices caused by mismatches.
What should I do if I realize I substantially overpaid my estimated taxes?
You can reduce future payments, claim a refund, or apply it to next year. Filing early may allow faster access to your refund.
Are estimated tax payments deductible on my federal income tax return?
No, but state income taxes (including estimated payments) may be deductible on Schedule A if you itemize. Keep accurate records of all payments.
What happens if my estimated tax account shows different payment amounts than my records indicate?
Gather proof (checks, receipts), verify the issue, and file Form IT-2105.1 to resolve discrepancies with the Tax Department.
