September 15th is circled on your calendar.
But not for the reason it should be.
While you’re thinking about back-to-school schedules and fall patient surges, the IRS is expecting your estimated tax payment.
Miss it, underestimate it, or ignore it, and you’re setting yourself up for a brutal tax season.
The same story repeats on January 15, 2026.
Another payment due.
Another opportunity to either stay ahead or fall behind.
Here’s what most practice owners don’t realize:
These aren’t just tax deadlines.
They’re the difference between a calm, measured tax season and a chaotic scramble for cash you don’t have.
Why Summer Planning Determines Your Q4 Reality
Right now, in the heat of summer, your fourth quarter fate is being written.
The decisions you make in July and August echo through December and beyond.
Yet most practice owners are too busy with vacation schedules and patient care to notice.
They’ll wake up in October wondering where the year went.
By November, they’re in panic mode.
Come December, they’re making desperate financial moves that cost thousands.
The September 15th Wake-Up Call
That estimated tax payment due September 15th?
It’s not a suggestion.
It’s your opportunity to avoid April agony.
Here’s the brutal math:
Underpay now, and you’ll face:
✓ Penalties that compound daily
✓ Interest charges that sting
✓ A massive catch-up payment in April
✓ Cash flow crisis when you need stability most
But make a reasonably accurate payment, and tax season becomes about measurement, not mayhem.
Your Q4 Success Framework: Start Now
The fourth quarter should be your victory lap, not your crisis management season.
Here’s how to make that happen:
1. Calculate Your True Tax Position
Take your year-to-date profit.
Project it through December.
Calculate the tax liability.
This number might scare you.
Good.
Fear in July leads to action.
Fear in March leads to disaster.
2. Plan for Both Critical Deadlines
September 15, 2025: Your third quarter estimated payment.
January 15, 2026: Your fourth quarter estimated payment.
Mark them now.
Fund them now.
Your future self will thank you.
3. Build Your Q4 War Chest
Summer cash flow is often stronger.
Don’t let it disappear into general spending.
Set aside funds specifically for:
✓ September estimated taxes
✓ Q4 operational needs
✓ January estimated taxes
✓ Year-end investments
This isn’t pessimism.
It’s preparation.
4. Create Your Measurement Dashboard
When tax payments are handled, tax season becomes about analysis, not scrambling.
You can focus on:
✓ What strategies worked
✓ Where to improve
✓ How to legally reduce next year’s burden
Instead of frantically searching for money you don’t have.
The Hidden Cost of Procrastination
Every day you delay summer planning compounds into Q4 stress.
That September 15th deadline will arrive whether you’re ready or not.
That January 15th payment will be due regardless of your cash position.
The practices that thrive don’t have more money.
They have better timing.
They plan in summer for winter success.
They pay estimates accurately to avoid April surprises.
They measure performance instead of managing crisis.
Your Choice: Proactive Planning or Reactive Panic
You know that feeling when a patient ignores symptoms until they become emergencies?
You’re doing the same thing with your finances.
The symptoms are there:
✓ Uncertainty about tax liability
✓ No funds set aside for estimates
✓ Hope as a financial strategy
The prescription is clear:
✓ Calculate now
✓ Fund now
✓ Plan now
Transform Your Q4 From Survival to Success
Imagine entering October with confidence.
Your September tax payment is already made.
Your January payment is already funded.
Your focus is on finishing strong, not scrambling for cash.
This isn’t fantasy.
It’s what happens when you plan in summer for Q4 success.
But planning without execution is just daydreaming.
Your Summer Action Plan Starts Today
Just as you wouldn’t let a patient ignore critical symptoms, don’t ignore your practice’s financial warning signs.
At Owings LLC, we specialize in strategic tax planning that transforms chaotic tax seasons into calm measurement periods.
We’ll help you calculate accurate estimated payments, implement smart funding strategies, and position your practice for Q4 success.
Our comprehensive approach ensures you’re never surprised by tax obligations or caught scrambling for funds.
Why wait until September’s deadline is looming?
Why enter Q4 hoping instead of knowing?
Schedule your free practice financial and tax planning analysis today and discover how proper summer planning can transform your year-end experience.
Because you deserve to end the year celebrating achievements, not scrambling for tax payments.