Final answer:
Freelance journalists have to pay quarterly taxes to meet their tax obligations throughout the year.
Step-by-step explanation:
Freelance journalists have to pay quarterly taxes because their income is inconsistent and there is no employer deducting taxes from each paycheck. The IRS requires freelancers to pay their taxes quarterly to ensure that they meet their tax obligations throughout the year. It is not a matter of not trusting them to pay at the end of the year, but rather a way to ensure regular tax payments.
Learn more about Payment of taxes by freelance journalists