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 TypesBy 15th JuneBy 15th SeptBy 15th DecBy 15th March
Standard TaxpayersMinimum 15%Minimum 45%Minimum 75%100%
Presumptive TaxpayersNILNILNILNIL

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. If your liability surpasses the officer's estimation, proceed with your calculations independently. For insights on challenges, explore our advance tax services guide.
  4. Pay taxes online at TIN NSDL, ensuring accurate PAN entry to avoid hefty penalties.
  5. 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:

  1. Payment imbalance by June 15 (less than 12%)
  2. Insufficient payment by September 15 (less than 36%)
  3. December 15 payment shortfall (less than 75%)
  4. 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Advance Tax Payment Process: How It Works & Requirements.

Any individual, firm, or company whose estimated tax liability for the year is ₹10,000 or more is required to pay advance tax. This includes those with income from business, profession, capital gains, or other sources.
To calculate advance tax, the taxpayer must estimate their total income for the year, calculate the tax liability on that income, and then pay the required instalments based on the due dates specified by the Income Tax Act.
The due dates for paying advance tax instalments are June 15th (15% of advance tax), September 15th (45% of advance tax), December 15th (75% of advance tax), and March 15th (100% of advance tax).
Challan No. ITNS 280 is the form that must be properly filled and submitted by the due dates for paying advance tax instalments. It requires details like the taxpayer's PAN, assessment year, and payment type.
Yes, senior citizens aged 60 or above who have no income from business or profession are exempt from paying advance tax. Individuals with only salary income are also exempt since their employer deducts TDS.
If advance tax is not paid or paid less than 90% of the assessed tax, the taxpayer is considered an assessee in default. Interest is charged under Section 234B and 234C of the Income Tax Act at the rate of 1% per month or part thereof.
Form 28A is an intimation that the taxpayer must provide to the Assessing Officer if the officer's estimated income is higher than the taxpayer's estimated income. It is used to inform the officer about the reduced estimated income and tax.
Within 3-4 working days of completing the payment, the tax will be recorded on the taxpayer's Form 26AS. Confirmation of details can be found on Form 26AS.