BooksIQAdvance tax is payable in 4 instalments: 15% by 15 JUN, 45% (cumulative) by 15 SEP, 75% by 15 DEC, and 100% by 15 MAR. Assessees opting for presumptive taxation under §44AD / §44ADA pay the ENTIRE advance tax in a SINGLE instalment by 15 MARCH. Advance tax is due if the tax liability for the year is ₹10,000 or more (§208).
Key points
- Under §208, advance tax is payable during the FY if the estimated tax liability (net of TDS/TCS) is ₹10,000 or more.
- §211 prescribes the instalment schedule for ALL assessees (other than presumptive): (i) on or before 15 JUNE — at least 15% of advance tax;
- (ii) on or before 15 SEPTEMBER — at least 45% (cumulative, less amount already paid);
- (iii) on or before 15 DECEMBER — at least 75% cumulative;
- (iv) on or before 15 MARCH — 100% cumulative.
- An eligible assessee declaring income on a PRESUMPTIVE basis under §44AD or §44ADA pays the WHOLE of the advance tax in ONE instalment on or before 15 MARCH (any amount paid by 31 March is also treated as advance tax).
- RESIDENT SENIOR CITIZENS (60+) with NO income under 'Profits and gains of business or profession' are EXEMPT from advance tax.
- Shortfall / deferment attracts interest under §234B (default in payment) and §234C (deferment of instalments) at 1% per month.
Reference: §211 read with §§208, 234B, 234C, ITA 1961 — under ITA 2025 (FY 26-27 onwards), this is §408
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