Advance tax due dates for FY 2026-27, and how to pay
Advance tax means paying income tax during the year instead of in one go when you file. You must pay it if your tax for the year, after TDS, will be ₹10,000 or more. For FY 2026-27 the dates are 15 June 2026, 15 September 2026, 15 December 2026 and 15 March 2027.
What are the advance tax due dates for FY 2026-27?
| Pay by | Total paid by then |
|---|---|
| 15 June 2026 | 15% of the year's tax |
| 15 September 2026 | 45% |
| 15 December 2026 | 75% |
| 15 March 2027 | 100% |
The percentages are cumulative. If your tax after TDS is ₹1,00,000, you should have paid ₹15,000 by 15 June, ₹45,000 in total by 15 September, ₹75,000 by 15 December and the full ₹1,00,000 by 15 March.
Is there a different date for presumptive taxpayers?
Yes. If you declare income under presumptive taxation (section 44AD for businesses or 44ADA for professionals), you can pay the whole year's advance tax in one instalment by 15 March. You can still pay earlier in parts if that's easier.
Who doesn't need to pay advance tax?
Resident senior citizens (60 or older) with no business or professional income. Most salaried people also don't, because their employer deducts TDS, unless they have large interest, rent, capital gains or freelance income on top.
What if I miss a date or pay too little?
You pay simple interest of 1% a month on the shortfall. Under section 234C it's charged on each missed instalment (for three months, or one month for the March instalment). Under section 234B, if less than 90% of your tax is paid by 31 March, interest runs from April until you pay. Capital gains are an exception: tax on a gain only falls due from the next instalment date after the sale.
How do I pay advance tax?
On the income tax portal, use e-Pay Tax, choose the year the tax is for (FY 2026-27 income; the portal may call it tax year 2026-27 or AY 2027-28) and "Advance tax", then pay by net banking, UPI or card. Keep the challan details; you'll enter them in your return.