Mansi Sawant
Expert
Published on: Sep 15, 2026
Advance Tax Payment and How Does It Work?
Advance tax is a method of tax payment made in installments based on the projected income for the year, rather than at the end of the year. Individuals with an expected tax liability of $10,000 or more are required to pay advance tax in monthly installments. For more information, you can visit our detailed guide on advance tax payment.
Significance of Advance Tax
Advance tax, paid before income is actually received, is crucial for maintaining fiscal discipline. Taxpayers must estimate their annual income and pay tax at specific intervals based on this estimate. It's essential for the taxpayer to accurately assess their income to calculate the advance tax liability. If you need to understand the due dates and requirements better, visit this advance tax due dates section for more details.
Required Forms for Advance Tax
The essential form, Challan No. ITNS 280, must be completed and filed by the deadlines. Requirements include:
- PAN Details: Ensure your PAN is correct to avoid deposits in the wrong account.
- Correct Assessment Year: The tax is being prepaid for the future year, making the assessment year selection crucial.
- Payment Type: Differentiate between advance tax and self-assessment in the form.
After payment, you'll receive a Challan Identification Number (CIN), important for filing your income tax return. Confirm online receipt of ITNS 280 through the online income tax payment procedure.
Exemptions from Advance Tax
Senior citizens fulfilling these criteria are exempt from advance tax:
- Indian residents aged 60 or above per the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- No taxable income under "Business or Profession"
- Only salaried income taxed via TDS (Tax Deducted at Source).
How Does Advance Tax Work?
1. Estimated Total Income Calculation
| Particular (Estimated) | Amount |
| Income under the head “Salaries” | - |
| Income from “House Property” | - |
| Income from “Business or Profession” | - |
| Income from “Capital Gains” | - |
| Income from “Other Sources” | - |
| Gross Total Income | - |
| Less: Deductions under section 80C to 80U | - |
| Net Total Income | - |
2. Estimate Tax on Net Total Income
| Particular (Estimated) | Amount |
| Tax on Net Total Income at applicable rates | - |
| Less: Rebate under section 87A | - |
| Balance Tax | - |
| Add: Surcharge (if applicable) | - |
| Total tax after surcharge | - |
| Add: Health & Education Cess @ 4% | - |
| Total tax | - |
| Less: Relief under section 89, 90, 90A, or 91 | - |
| Less: TDS, TCS, MAT, AMT already paid | - |
| Total Advance Tax Liability | - |
3. Advance Tax Payment Due Dates:
| Taxpayer Types | By 15th June | By 15th Sept | By 15th Dec | By 15th March |
| Standard Taxpayers | Minimum 15% | Minimum 45% | Minimum 75% | 100% |
| Presumptive Taxpayers | NIL | NIL | NIL | NIL |
Corporate taxpayers or those with audited accounts must pay advance tax electronically through authorized internet banking facilities. Others may pay in any form. For further details on compliance and planning, refer to our comprehensive advance tax guide.
- Advanced tax can be self-assessed or ordered by the Assessing Officer. Changes in estimated income result in adjusted future payments without a revised income estimate submission.
- If ordered by an Assessing Officer, tax may be paid fully or partially in remaining installments. Payment completed by 31st March of the fiscal year counts as advance tax. Breaches in deadlines owed to holidays extend payment windows without interest charges. Orders are issued before 1st March of the fiscal year.
- If your liability surpasses the officer's estimation, proceed with your calculations independently. For insights on challenges, explore our advance tax services guide.
- Pay taxes online at TIN NSDL, ensuring accurate PAN entry to avoid hefty penalties.
- Form 26AS, updated within 3-4 days of payment, confirms tax records. Visit our portal to confirm details through online payment challans.
Introducing Form 28A
Form 28A notifies the Assessing Officer when the officer’s estimated income exceeds the taxpayer's. It accounts for reduced income estimates and tax discrepancies, signed by authorized personnel.
Assessee in Default: Consequences
- Taxpayers failing to pay or grossly underpaying advance tax (less than 90%) will incur interest under section 234B of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The rate is 1% monthly from the start of the assessment year until income determination.
Late Payment of Advance Tax Instalments
Interest is charged under section 234C of the Income Tax Act of 1961 for late advance tax installments:
- Payment imbalance by June 15 (less than 12%)
- Insufficient payment by September 15 (less than 36%)
- December 15 payment shortfall (less than 75%)
- March 15 payment not covering 100% due
Presumptive taxpayers face interest for underpayment in March. For penalty concerns and compliance, our advance tax for companies resource can prove invaluable.
Conclusion
For expert advice on income tax management, consulting a business attorney or using an online legal service may help. At IndiaFilings, we offer affordable consultation with exceptional customer service. Contact us for assistance, or explore more on service tax payment due dates.