I have a full time job as a w-2. I started a consulting job on the side as a 1099 in August of this year.
My estimate gross earnings as a 1099 from August to the end of this year would be about $6000.

It seems the quarterly estimated tax payments are due on 1/15, 4/15, 4/15, and 12/15.

Since I started in August, was I supposed to pay on 9/15 or can I pay by 1/15 next year?

If 9/15 is the answer, is it too late to pay now to avoid the penalties?

You have 6 weeks left in 2009. go bump your W-4 to increase the amount withheld to bring your total withholding for 2009 to be more than your tax bill in 2008.

that will be a safe harbor and get you off the hook.

(You need to bump the money by about $1800.)