If you are self$-$employed, one way to avoid a penalty from the IRS is to:

owe less than $$1,000$ when you file your federal income tax return.

make correct and on$-$time estimated tax payments.

be sure to pay all taxes owed by April $15$ of the following year.

both owe less than $$1,000$ when you file your federal income tax return and make correct and on$-$time estimated payments.