advance tax due dates

Advance Tax Due Dates FY 2026-27: Schedule, Calculation & How to Pay

📅 Last Updated: 29 Apr 2026  |  Published: 31 Jan 2025

Advance tax is the system where you pay income tax in instalments during the financial year rather than in a lump sum at the end. Missing advance tax due dates triggers interest under Sections 234B and 234C. This guide covers all advance tax due dates for FY 2026-27 and FY 2025-26, who must pay, how to calculate, and how to pay online.

⚡ Advance Tax Due Dates FY 2026-27

  • 15 June 2026 – Pay 15% of estimated annual tax
  • 15 September 2026 – Pay 45% (cumulative) of estimated annual tax
  • 15 December 2026 – Pay 75% (cumulative) of estimated annual tax
  • 15 March 2027 – Pay 100% (full) of estimated annual tax

What is Advance Tax?

Advance tax (also called “pay as you earn” tax) is income tax paid in advance – during the financial year in which the income is earned – rather than after the year ends. The Income Tax Act mandates advance tax payment if your estimated tax liability for the year exceeds ₹10,000 (after deducting TDS).

This applies to all taxpayers – salaried individuals with additional income, freelancers, business owners, professionals, and companies. If your only income is salary and TDS is correctly deducted by your employer, you are generally exempt from advance tax.

Advance Tax Due Dates FY 2026-27 (AY 2027-28)

InstalmentDue DateMinimum % of Annual Tax to Pay
1st Instalment15 June 202615%
2nd Instalment15 September 202645% (cumulative)
3rd Instalment15 December 202675% (cumulative)
4th Instalment (Final)15 March 2027100% (full tax)

Advance Tax Due Dates FY 2025-26 (AY 2026-27)

InstalmentDue DateCumulative % Payable
1st Instalment15 June 202515%
2nd Instalment15 September 202545%
3rd Instalment15 December 202575%
4th Instalment (Final)15 March 2026100%

Who Must Pay Advance Tax?

You must pay advance tax if your net tax liability after TDS exceeds ₹10,000 in a financial year. This applies to:

  • Salaried individuals with additional income from interest, rent, capital gains, or freelancing
  • Self-employed professionals – doctors, CA, architects, consultants
  • Freelancers and gig workers whose TDS may not be deducted or is insufficient
  • Business owners (proprietors, partners, directors)
  • Investors with significant capital gains from stocks, mutual funds, or property
  • Companies and firms – all companies must pay advance tax regardless of tax amount

Who is Exempt from Advance Tax?

  • Senior citizens (60+ years) who do not have any income from business or profession – they are exempt under Section 207
  • Individuals whose only income is salary (employer deducts TDS via Form 16) and tax liability after TDS is below ₹10,000

How to Calculate Your Advance Tax

Follow these steps to estimate your advance tax for FY 2026-27:

  1. Estimate total income for the year: salary, rent, capital gains, business profit, interest, etc.
  2. Deduct eligible deductions: Standard deduction (₹75,000 under new regime / ₹50,000 under old regime), 80C, 80D, HRA, home loan interest, etc.
  3. Compute tax on net taxable income using the applicable tax slab rates
  4. Subtract TDS already deducted/expected for the year
  5. If net tax liability > ₹10,000, you must pay advance tax in instalments

📌 Example Calculation (FY 2026-27, New Tax Regime)

  • Gross salary: ₹15,00,000 | Standard deduction: ₹75,000 | Taxable income: ₹14,25,000
  • Tax on ₹14,25,000: ₹4 lakh @0% = ₹0 + ₹4 lakh @5% = ₹20,000 + ₹4 lakh @10% = ₹40,000 + ₹2.25 lakh @15% = ₹33,750 = Total tax ₹93,750 + 4% cess = ₹97,500
  • TDS already deducted by employer (estimated): ₹90,000
  • Net advance tax liability: ₹97,500 − ₹90,000 = ₹7,500 → below ₹10,000 → No advance tax needed

Interest for Non-Payment / Short Payment of Advance Tax

SectionSituationInterest Rate
Section 234BAdvance tax paid is less than 90% of total tax liability1% per month on shortfall from April to date of assessment/payment
Section 234CInstalment not paid / short paid by due date1% per month for 3 months on the shortfall per instalment

How to Pay Advance Tax Online (Step-by-Step)

  1. Go to incometax.gov.in → e-Pay Tax
  2. Enter your PAN and mobile number → Get OTP verification
  3. Select Assessment Year 2027-28 (for FY 2026-27 payments)
  4. Select payment type: “Advance Tax” (100)
  5. Enter the tax amount and proceed to pay via net banking, UPI, credit/debit card, or NEFT/RTGS
  6. Save the Challan 280 receipt – you’ll need it while filing your ITR

Advance Tax for Presumptive Taxation (Section 44AD / 44ADA)

Businesses and professionals opting for presumptive taxation under Sections 44AD or 44ADA have a single advance tax instalment due date:

  • Single instalment by 15 March 2027 (for FY 2026-27) – 100% of tax liability in one payment
  • This replaces the four-instalment schedule applicable to other taxpayers
  • Missing this date triggers interest under both Sections 234B and 234C

FAQs on Advance Tax Due Dates

Q: What if I pay more advance tax than needed?
The excess is treated as advance tax paid and will result in an income tax refund after you file your ITR. Refund interest (Section 244A) is paid at 6% per annum if the refund exceeds 10% of the tax liability.
Q: Do senior citizens have to pay advance tax?
Senior citizens (age 60+) who do not have income from business or profession are exempt from advance tax under Section 207. They pay their entire tax as self-assessment tax at the time of filing.
Q: Can I revise my advance tax estimate mid-year?
Yes, advance tax is based on estimated income which can be revised. If your income increases after June, simply pay a higher amount in the September or December instalment to compensate.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Tax laws change frequently — consult a CA or tax professional before making decisions.
Diksha Chawla
Written & Reviewed by
Diksha Chawla
Financial Educator & Content Creator | FinLecture.in
Diksha covers Indian income tax, mutual funds, ITR filing, and personal finance. FinLecture content is cross-checked against official government portals and SEBI/AMFI guidelines.

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