Advance-tax due dates
| Due date | Cumulative % | Instalment % |
|---|---|---|
| 15 June | 15% | 15% |
| 15 September | 45% | 30% |
| 15 December | 75% | 30% |
| 15 March | 100% | 25% |
Senior citizens (60+) without business or professional income are exempt from advance tax — they can pay any tax due in one shot at filing.
How to estimate income mid-year
Project your full-year income based on year-to-date earnings. For salaried + capital-gains scenarios:
- Salary: annualise YTD with expected bonuses
- Capital gains: include only gains booked so far (advance tax on capital gains can be paid in the instalment after the gain occurs — you don't have to pre-estimate)
- Business income: trailing-twelve-months or last-year's total + growth
FAQ
What if my income changes mid-year?
Recalculate at each instalment date. Pay the higher of (cumulative percentage × revised liability − amount already paid). Underpayment triggers Section 234C interest of 1% per month.
Are presumptive-income taxpayers (44AD/44ADA) different?
Yes. They can pay 100% of advance tax in a single instalment by 15 March instead of in four instalments.
Can I pay advance tax online?
Yes — through the income tax e-filing portal (incometax.gov.in) or any authorised bank. Use challan ITNS 280 with code 100 (advance tax).