Advance tax is the income tax paid in installments during the financial year rather than as a lump sum when filing your ITR. If your total tax liability after TDS exceeds ₹10,000 in a financial year, you are required to pay advance tax. Missing payments attracts interest under Sections 234B and 234C.
Who Needs to Pay Advance Tax
Freelancers and consultants with no TDS deduction on their income. Business owners and professionals with tax liability above ₹10,000. Salaried individuals with significant non-salary income: rental income, capital gains, interest income, or freelance income alongside their job. Senior citizens (above 60) with no business income are exempt from advance tax. If your employer deducts adequate TDS covering all income sources, advance tax may not be needed.
Advance Tax Due Dates
For individuals and businesses not under presumptive taxation: 15% by June 15, 45% by September 15, 75% by December 15, and 100% by March 15. For businesses under presumptive taxation (Section 44AD/44ADA), the entire advance tax must be paid by March 15 in a single installment. These dates are the same every financial year and should be marked in your calendar if applicable.
How to Calculate Advance Tax
Estimate your total income for the year from all sources. Calculate tax using applicable slab rates and regime. Subtract TDS already deducted or expected to be deducted. If the remaining tax exceeds ₹10,000, pay in quarterly installments as per the schedule. Review and adjust your estimates each quarter based on actual income — particularly important for variable income from freelancing or investments.
Interest for Non-Payment or Short Payment
Under Section 234B, interest at 1% per month is charged if advance tax paid is less than 90% of the assessed tax. Under Section 234C, interest at 1% per month is charged for each quarter where cumulative advance tax paid falls short of the required percentage. These interest charges are not deductible and add to your total tax outgo. Even a slight miscalculation in the final quarter can trigger 234C interest, so it is better to marginally overpay and claim a refund.
Can I pay advance tax online?
Yes, advance tax can be paid through the e-filing portal or through net banking using Challan 280. Select the correct assessment year and payment type (advance tax). The receipt (BSR code and challan number) should be kept safely for ITR filing.
What if I overestimate and overpay advance tax?
Overpaid advance tax is refunded when you file your ITR. The income tax department pays 6% annual interest on excess tax from the date of payment to the date of refund. So overpaying is not ideal but is better than underpaying and attracting 12% interest plus potential scrutiny.