What is Advance Tax? (Quick Answer)
Advance Tax is the income tax payable during the tax year itself instead of paying the entire tax liability at the time of filing the Income Tax Return. Taxpayers whose estimated tax liability exceeds ₹10,000 are generally required to pay tax in instalments during the year as per the prescribed due dates.
Introduction
The Income-tax Act, 2025, which has become effective from 1st April 2026, continues the concept of Advance Tax as an important mechanism for collection of income tax during the tax year itself similar to what it was in the erstwhile IT Act’1961.
The objective behind Advance Tax provisions is to ensure a regular flow of revenue to the Government and to reduce the burden of paying a large amount of tax at the end of the tax year. Advance Tax is commonly referred to as the “Pay As You Earn” scheme because the taxpayer pays tax progressively throughout the year based on estimated income.
Whether you are a salaried employee earning additional income, a freelancer, a professional, a business owner or a company, understanding Advance Tax provisions is essential for avoiding interest liability and ensuring timely tax compliance.
In this article, we shall discuss the provisions relating to Advance Tax under the Income-tax Act, 2025, including liability, due dates, calculation methodology, interest implications and practical compliance requirements for Tax Year (TY) 2026-27.
Relevant Sections under the Income-tax Act, 2025
The provisions relating to Advance Tax are contained in the following sections of the Income-tax Act, 2025:
| Particulars | Relevant Section |
|---|---|
| Liability to pay Advance Tax | Section 403 |
| Conditions of liability | Section 404 |
| Computation of Advance Tax | Section 405 |
| Payment of Advance Tax by taxpayer | Section 406 |
| Payment pursuant to order of Tax Authority | Section 407 |
| Instalments and Due Dates | Section 408 |
| Interest for default in payment | Section 424 |
| Interest for deferment of instalments | Section 425 |
Who is Required to Pay Advance Tax?
Ques: Who is liable to pay Advance Tax?
Ans: Every person whose estimated tax liability for the tax year is ₹10,000 or more.
The provisions apply to:
- Individuals
- Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs)
- Partnership Firms
- LLPs
- Companies
- Freelancers
- Professionals
- Business owners
- Persons earning rental income
- Persons earning capital gains
- Persons earning dividend or interest income
Therefore, Advance Tax is not restricted to businesses alone. Even salaried taxpayers may become liable if they earn substantial income from sources other than salary as Tds would already be deducted on their salaries.
Who is Exempt from Advance Tax?
Ques: Is every taxpayer required to pay Advance Tax?
Ans: No.
A resident senior citizen who:
Has attained the age of 60 years or more during the relevant tax year; and
Does not have income chargeable under the head Profits and Gains of Business or Profession
is not required to pay Advance Tax irrespective of the amount of income earned.
Such taxpayers can discharge their tax liability at the time of filing the Income Tax Return.
Advance Tax Due Dates for TY 2026-27
Ques: What are the due dates for payment of Advance Tax?
Ans: Advance Tax is payable in four instalments during the tax year as prescribed under Section 408 of the Income-tax Act, 2025. These due dates are the same as in the erstwhile Income Tax Act’1961.
| Due Date | Cumulative Advance Tax Payable |
|---|---|
| On or before 15th June | 15% |
| On or before 15th September | 45% |
| On or before 15th December | 75% |
| On or before 15th March | 100% |
Illustration
Suppose the estimated Advance Tax liability of a taxpayer for TY 2026-27 is ₹2,00,000. The amount of Advance Tax payable in each instalment will be:
| Due Date | Amount Payable |
|---|---|
| 15th June | ₹30,000 |
| 15th September | ₹60,000 (₹90000-30000) |
| 15th December | ₹60,000 (₹1,50,000-90,000) |
| 15th March | ₹50,000 (₹ 2,00,000- 1,50,000) |
Total Advance Tax Payable = ₹2,00,000
Timely payment of these instalments helps taxpayers avoid interest under Sections 424 and 425 of the Income-tax Act, 2025.
Advance Tax for Presumptive Taxation Scheme
Ques: What are the Advance Tax provisions for taxpayers opting for presumptive taxation?
Ans: Taxpayers opting for presumptive taxation under Section 58 (Eligible Businesses covered under Table: SI. No. 1 or 3) of the Income-tax Act, 2025 are not required to pay Advance Tax in four quarterly instalments.
Such taxpayers may pay the entire Advance Tax liability in a single instalment on or before 15th March of the relevant tax year.
This significantly reduces the compliance burden for small businesses and professionals who have opted for the presumptive taxation scheme.
| Due Date | Advance Tax Payable |
|---|---|
| On or before 15th March | 100% |
How to Calculate Advance Tax?
Ques: How is Advance Tax calculated?
Ans: Advance Tax is calculated on the basis of estimated Total income which would be chargeable to tax for the tax year.
Step 1 – Estimate Total Income
Consider income from:
- Salary
- Business or Profession
- House Property
- Capital Gains
- Interest Income
- Dividend Income
- Other Sources
- Special Rate income incomes
Step 2 – Compute Tax Liability
Calculate:
- Income Tax
- Surcharge (if applicable)
- Health & Education Cess
Step 3 – Reduce Eligible Credits
Less:
- TDS
- TCS
- Foreign Tax Credit
- Relief under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA)
Step 4 – Determine Net Tax Liability
The balance amount represents the Advance Tax payable.
Advance Tax on Capital Gains, Dividend Income and Other Unforeseen Income
Ques: What happens if income arises unexpectedly during the year?
Ans: Certain incomes such as:
- Capital Gains
- Dividend Income
- Winnings from lotteries
- Winnings from crossword puzzles
- Income from betting or gambling
- Income under the head Business or profession accruing or arising for the first time
may not be capable of accurate estimation at the beginning of the year.
In such cases, interest for shortfall in earlier instalments may generally not be attracted provided the taxpayer pays the tax attributable to such income in the remaining instalments or, where no instalment remains, by 31st March of the relevant tax year.
Therefore, taxpayers should review their tax position after every major transaction and discharge additional tax liability promptly.
Interest for Default in Payment of Advance Tax – Section 424
Ques: What happens if Advance Tax is not paid?
Ans: Interest under Section 424 becomes payable where:
- Advance Tax is not paid despite liability existing; or
- Advance Tax paid is less than 90% of the assessed tax.
Interest is generally charged at 1% per month or part thereof on the shortfall amount from 1st April of the succeeding tax year until the specified date under the Act.
Example
Assessed Tax Liability = ₹2,00,000
Advance Tax Paid = ₹1,50,000
Shortfall = ₹50,000
Since the taxpayer has paid less than 90% of the assessed tax, interest under Section 424 may become applicable on the shortfall amount.
Interest for Deferment of Advance Tax Instalments – Section 425
Ques: What if the instalments are paid late?
Ans: Interest under Section 425 is attracted where the taxpayer fails to pay the prescribed percentage of Advance Tax by the respective due dates.
Interest is generally levied at the prescribed rate for the period specified under the Act on the amount of shortfall.
The prescribed percentages and Interest Payable are:
| Due Date | Required Percentage | Shortfall | Interest payable on shortfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15th June | 15 | 15% – advance Tax Already paid |
3% |
| 15th September | 45% | 45% – advance Tax Already paid |
3% |
| 15th December | 75% | 75% – advance Tax Already paid |
3% |
| 15th March | 100% | 100% – advance Tax Already paid |
1% |
Accordingly, taxpayers should periodically review their income and tax liability before each instalment due date to avoid interest consequences.
Can Advance Tax be Paid After 15th March?
Ques: Will tax paid after 15th March be treated as Advance Tax?
Ans: Yes.
Any tax paid on or before 31st March of the relevant tax year shall generally be treated as Advance Tax for that tax year.
However, interest for deferment of instalments may still arise where the prescribed instalments were not paid within the specified due dates.
Therefore, taxpayers should not wait until the end of March and should endeavour to comply with the instalment schedule throughout the year.
How to Pay Advance Tax Online?
Ques: What is the procedure for payment of Advance Tax?
Ans: Advance Tax can be paid electronically through the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
Procedure for Payment
- Login to the Income Tax e-Filing Portal.
- Select e-Pay Tax.
- Select Income Tax Act 2025.
- Click New Payment.
- Choose the relevant Tax Year.
- Select Minor Head 100 – Advance Tax.
- Enter the tax amount payable.
- Complete payment through net banking, debit card, UPI or other available modes.
- Download and preserve the challan acknowledgement for future reference.
Practical Tips for Taxpayers
- Estimate income realistically at the beginning of the tax year.
- Review tax liability before every instalment due date.
- Track capital gains transactions separately.
- Consider dividend and interest income while estimating tax.
- Reconcile Form 26AS and AIS periodically.
- Preserve all challans and payment acknowledgements.
- Avoid postponing tax planning until March.
- Consult a tax professional where income fluctuates significantly during the year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Advance Tax mandatory under the Income-tax Act, 2025?
Yes. Advance Tax is mandatory where the estimated tax liability is ₹10,000 or more.
Which section governs Advance Tax under the Income-tax Act, 2025?
The primary provisions relating to Advance Tax are contained in Sections 403 to 408, 424, 425 of the Income-tax Act, 2025.
Are senior citizens required to pay Advance Tax?
Resident senior citizens not having business or professional income are exempt from payment of Advance Tax.
What are the Advance Tax due dates for TY 2026-27?
15th June, 15th September, 15th December and 15th March.
What is the interest for non-payment of Advance Tax?
Interest for default in payment of Advance Tax is governed by Section 424 of the Income-tax Act, 2025.
What is the difference between Sections 424 and 425?
Section 424 deals with default in payment of Advance Tax, whereas Section 425 deals with deferment or shortfall in Advance Tax instalments.
Can taxpayers under presumptive taxation pay tax in one instalment?
Yes. Taxpayers opting for presumptive taxation under Sections 58 may pay 100% of Advance Tax on or before 15th March.
Can Advance Tax be paid after 15th March?
Yes. Tax paid up to 31st March is generally treated as Advance Tax, though interest implications may arise for delayed instalments.