Estimated Taxes + W2 Spouse Income

[Chris Phillips]

I'm a little confused on how estimated taxes work for self employment. I was just curious if anyone else has the same scenario as me and if they pay estimated taxes through out the year or not.

Currently my wife works part time W2, they do not with hold taxes and she does real estate in her free time which is classified as self employment. I work a full time W2 and pay far more taxes than I need to which covers all of her taxes not with held and we still get a modest return.

I have read in a few places that self employment requires estimated taxes and in other places that its "optional" if you are paying in enough taxes from a W2 income. Is anyone out there paying estimated taxes even though their taxes are covered by their spouses W2 (or their own)?

Thanks!