Complete Guide to Advance Tax in India for FY 2025-26

Understanding Advance Tax: A Complete Guide for FY 2025-26

Advance tax is the tax you pay in advance on your estimated income for the year. Instead of paying all your tax at the end of the financial year, you spread it across four quarterly installments. This helps you avoid the burden of a large tax payment and reduces the risk of interest penalties under Section 234B and 234C.

For FY 2025-26, if your tax liability exceeds ₹10,000 (after deducting TDS and advance tax already paid), you need to pay advance tax. The due dates are 15th June (15% of estimated tax), 15th September (45% cumulatively), 15th December (75% cumulatively), and 15th March (100% of the remaining tax). Missing these deadlines can result in interest charges at 1% per month.

Advance tax applies to various taxpayers including self-employed individuals, freelancers, business owners, senior citizens, and anyone with income other than salary. It's important to note that salaried employees with TDS deducted from their salary usually don't need to pay advance tax since their employer handles it. However, if you have additional income from business, capital gains, or other sources, you might still need to calculate and pay advance tax.

Calculating advance tax accurately is crucial to avoid penalties. Use our income tax calculator first to estimate your total tax liability for the year. Once you know your estimated tax, you can use our advance tax calculator to plan your quarterly payments and ensure you don't miss any deadlines.

The calculator also helps you understand interest calculations under Section 234B (for shortfall in advance tax payment) and Section 234C (for late or deficient installment payments). These interest charges can significantly increase your tax burden if you don't plan properly. Our calculator shows you exactly how much interest you'll be charged if you miss or delay any installment.

For business owners and freelancers, advance tax planning is especially important since you don't have an employer deducting TDS from your income. Missing advance tax payments can lead to notices from the Income Tax Department and additional interest charges. If you're also dealing with capital gains from property or stocks, consider using our capital gains tax calculator to understand how those gains affect your advance tax liability.

Need more detailed information about advance tax rules and regulations? Check out the official Income Tax Department's advance tax guide for complete information on due dates, payment methods, and interest calculations for FY 2025-26.

How to Use This Calculator

Steps to Calculate Your Advance Tax

1

Select Assessee Type

Choose your assessee type (Individual, Senior Citizen, Company, etc.) as advance tax thresholds may vary.

2

Choose Current Quarter

Select the current quarter (Q1, Q2, Q3, or Q4) to calculate the advance tax payable for that period.

3

Enter Tax Details

Input your estimated taxable income, tax liability, advance tax paid till date, and TDS deducted.

4

Click Calculate

Press "Calculate Advance Tax" to get instant results with detailed breakdown and quarterly schedule.

5

Review Results

Check the summary cards, quarterly schedule, and charts to understand your advance tax obligations.

6

Plan Payments

Use the quarterly schedule to plan your advance tax payments and avoid interest charges.

Pro Tips for Advance Tax Planning

For Taxpayers:

  • Pay advance tax in installments to avoid interest
  • Monitor your income throughout the year
  • Keep track of TDS deductions

For Businesses:

  • Estimate income conservatively
  • Pay at least 90% to avoid Section 234B interest
  • Maintain proper records of payments

Important Note

This calculator provides estimates based on current FY 2025-26 advance tax rules. For complex tax situations or multiple income sources, consult a tax professional. Always verify calculations with your CA or tax advisor before making payments.

Advance Tax Information & Rules

Advance Tax Rules FY 2025-26

Advance Tax Thresholds

Individual: ₹10,000
Senior Citizen: ₹10,000
Super Senior Citizen: ₹10,000
Company: ₹10,000
Firm/HUF: ₹10,000

Quarterly Due Dates

Q1 (15th June): 15%
Q2 (15th September): 45%
Q3 (15th December): 75%
Q4 (15th March): 100%

Interest on Advance Tax

Section 234B - Interest for Default

• Applicable when advance tax paid is less than 90% of tax liability

• Interest rate: 1% per month

• Calculated from April 1st to March 31st

• On the shortfall amount

Section 234C - Interest for Deferment

• Applicable when advance tax is not paid on due dates

• Interest rate: 1% per month

• Calculated for each quarter separately

• On the shortfall amount

Complete Advance Tax Guide

Advance Tax Thresholds by Assessee Type

Assessee Type Threshold Amount Applicability
Individual (Below 60 years) ₹10,000 If tax liability exceeds threshold
Senior Citizen (60-80 years) ₹10,000 If tax liability exceeds threshold
Super Senior Citizen (80+ years) ₹10,000 If tax liability exceeds threshold
Company ₹10,000 Mandatory for all companies
Firm ₹10,000 If tax liability exceeds threshold
HUF ₹10,000 If tax liability exceeds threshold

Detailed Quarterly Payment Schedule

Quarter Period Due Date Percentage Cumulative %
Q1 April - June 15th June 15% 15%
Q2 July - September 15th September 30% 45%
Q3 October - December 15th December 30% 75%
Q4 January - March 15th March 25% 100%

Interest Calculation Details

Section 234B - Interest for Default

Applicability: When advance tax paid is less than 90% of tax liability

Rate: 1% per month or part thereof

Period: From April 1st to March 31st (12 months)

Calculation: On shortfall amount

Example: If shortfall is ₹50,000, interest = ₹50,000 × 1% × 12 = ₹6,000

Section 234C - Interest for Deferment

Applicability: When advance tax is not paid on due dates

Rate: 1% per month or part thereof

Period: From due date to actual payment date

Calculation: On shortfall amount for each quarter

Example: If ₹20,000 shortfall for 3 months = ₹20,000 × 1% × 3 = ₹600

Advance Tax Payment Methods

Online Payment

Net Banking: Through bank's internet banking

Credit/Debit Card: Using cards on tax portal

UPI: Through UPI-enabled apps

NEFT/RTGS: Electronic fund transfer

Advantage: Instant acknowledgment

Offline Payment

Challan 280: At designated bank branches

Cash Payment: Up to ₹10,000 per transaction

Cheque/DD: Through bank branches

Processing Time: 2-3 working days

Note: Keep payment receipts safely

Important Dates and Deadlines FY 2025-26

Event Date Description
Q1 Advance Tax 15th June 2025 First installment - 15% of estimated tax
Q2 Advance Tax 15th September 2025 Second installment - 45% cumulative
Q3 Advance Tax 15th December 2025 Third installment - 75% cumulative
Q4 Advance Tax 15th March 2026 Final installment - 100% of tax liability
ITR Filing 31st July 2026 Due date for filing income tax return

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Advance Tax Questions

Who is liable to pay advance tax?

Any person whose estimated tax liability for the year exceeds ₹10,000 is liable to pay advance tax. This includes individuals, companies, firms, and HUFs. Senior citizens and super senior citizens are also subject to the same threshold.

What are the due dates for advance tax payment?

Advance tax is payable in four installments: 15th June (15%), 15th September (45%), 15th December (75%), and 15th March (100%). These dates are fixed and cannot be extended.

What happens if I don't pay advance tax?

If you don't pay advance tax or pay less than required, you may be liable to pay interest under Section 234B (1% per month on shortfall) and Section 234C (1% per month for deferment of payments).

Can I revise my advance tax estimates?

Yes, you can revise your advance tax estimates during the year based on your actual income. However, interest may still be applicable on any shortfall from the original estimates.

How is advance tax calculated for companies?

Companies are required to pay advance tax if their tax liability exceeds ₹10,000. The calculation is based on estimated taxable income and applicable tax rates for the financial year.

What if I have TDS deducted from my income?

TDS deducted during the year is considered as advance tax paid. You need to pay advance tax only on the balance amount after considering TDS already deducted.

Can I pay advance tax in advance of due dates?

Yes, you can pay advance tax before the due dates. Early payment helps avoid interest charges and provides better cash flow management.

What documents do I need for advance tax payment?

You need your PAN number, bank account details, and estimated tax liability. For online payment, you'll need internet banking or UPI access. For offline payment, you'll need Challan 280.

How do I get acknowledgment for advance tax payment?

For online payments, you'll receive instant acknowledgment. For offline payments, you'll get a receipt from the bank. Keep these acknowledgments for your records and ITR filing.

What if I overpay advance tax?

If you overpay advance tax, the excess amount will be refunded after filing your ITR. You can also adjust the excess against future tax liabilities.

Pro Tip for FY 2025-26

With proper advance tax planning, you can avoid interest under Sections 234B and 234C and stay compliant with tax laws. Use this calculator to estimate your advance tax liability for each quarter and pay on time to avoid penalties.