How to interpret your result
The amounts shown are cumulative — 15% by 15 June, 45% by 15 September, 75% by 15 December, and 100% by 15 March — not four equal instalments. Each quarter's actual payment is that period's cumulative figure minus whatever you've already paid in earlier quarters.
If you file under Section 44AD (presumptive taxation), the quarterly breakup doesn't apply to you — you're allowed to pay 100% of your advance tax in a single instalment by 15 March.
Underpaying or missing an instalment isn't free: Section 234C charges 1% per month for 3 months on each quarter's shortfall, separate from Section 234B's 1%/month charge on any shortfall still outstanding after 31 March. Re-run the calculator whenever your income estimate for the year changes materially, rather than filing against a stale first estimate.
What is advance tax and when does it apply?
Advance tax is income tax paid in installments during the financial year itself, rather than as a lump sum at the time of filing your ITR. The rationale: the government wants tax revenue as income is earned, not a year later.
Advance tax applies when your estimated tax liability (after TDS) exceeds ₹10,000 for the year.
For most business owners and freelancers whose clients don't deduct TDS — or don't deduct enough — advance tax is a routine quarterly obligation.
FY 2026-27 advance tax schedule
| Due date | Cumulative payment required |
|---|---|
| 15 June 2026 | At least 15% of estimated annual tax |
| 15 September 2026 | At least 45% of estimated annual tax |
| 15 December 2026 | At least 75% of estimated annual tax |
| 15 March 2027 | 100% of estimated annual tax |
You don't have to be precise — estimates are fine. The income tax department expects adjustments as the year progresses.
Section 44AD: single-installment advance tax
If you file under Section 44AD (presumptive taxation for businesses with turnover ≤ ₹3 crore), you're eligible for a simplified schedule: pay 100% of advance tax in a single installment by 15 March 2027.
No quarterly pressure. But the full year's tax must be paid by 15 March — delay beyond that attracts interest u/s 234B.
Consequences of non-payment
| Section | When interest applies | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 234B | If advance tax paid < 90% of assessed tax | 1% per month from April 1 to date of assessment |
| 234C | Shortfall in quarterly installments | 1% per month for 3 months on each installment shortfall |
Practical impact: If you forget the September installment (45%), you'll pay 1% × 3 months = 3% on the shortfall for that quarter. It adds up — better to pay on time.
How to pay advance tax
- Log into
incometax.gov.in→ e-Pay Tax → Pay via Challan ITNS 280 - Select: (0021) Income Tax (Other than Companies) or (0020) for companies
- Select: (300) Self Assessment Tax for full payment, or (100) Advance Tax for installments
- Enter your PAN, assessment year, and amount
Keep the challan receipt — you'll enter the BSR code and challan number in your ITR.