Advance tax due dates for 2026-27
| Due date | Paid by then (cumulative) | Presumptive income |
|---|---|---|
| 15 June 2026 | 15% of the year’s tax | – |
| 15 September 2026 | 45% | – |
| 15 December 2026 | 75% | – |
| 15 March 2027 | 100% | 100% |
“Tax” here means your tax for the year after TDS and TCS. If it is below ₹10,000, you have no advance tax to pay and can settle the balance as self-assessment tax before you file.
How the interest is calculated
From tax year 2026-27 the Income-tax Act, 2025 applies. The rules are the same as before; only the section numbers changed.
- Deferment (section 425, formerly 234C). 1% a month on the shortfall against each cumulative target: for 3 months on the June, September and December instalments, and 1 month on the March one. No interest is charged for June if you paid at least 12%, or for September if you paid at least 36%.
- Default (section 424, formerly 234B). If advance tax paid by 31 March is less than 90% of the tax, 1% a month on the unpaid tax from 1 April until you pay it. A part of a month counts as a full month.
- Amounts on which interest is charged are rounded down to the nearest ₹100.
Worked example
A freelancer expects ₹25 lakh of professional income (after expenses) in 2026-27 under the new regime, with no TDS. Tax is ₹3,43,200 including 4% cess. The instalments are ₹51,480 by 15 June, ₹1,02,960 by 15 September, ₹1,02,960 by 15 December and ₹85,800 by 15 March.
If they pay the first two on time but nothing after, and settle the balance of ₹1,88,760 by 31 July, the interest is ₹3,087 for December, ₹1,887 for March and ₹7,548 of default interest for April to July: ₹12,522 in all.
Tips to avoid interest
- Estimate in June and revise. You can pay more in later instalments if income turns out higher; interest only applies to the shortfall at each date.
- Missed one? Pay now. Paying the shortfall with the next instalment caps the deferment interest.
- Count TDS correctly. Check Form 26AS or the AIS for TDS already deducted on interest, rent or fees before you work out the balance.
- Compare regimes first. Run your income through the income tax calculator to pick the regime with the lower tax.
What this calculator does not cover
It taxes all income at slab rates. Capital gains taxed at special rates (such as 12.5% on long-term equity gains), lottery winnings and income of firms and companies need separate treatment; use the capital gains calculator for gains on shares and funds. Interest on capital gains that arise after a due date has its own relief. When in doubt, ask a chartered accountant.
Frequently asked questions
Who has to pay advance tax?
Anyone whose tax for the year, after TDS and TCS, is ₹10,000 or more. That usually means freelancers, consultants, business owners, landlords, investors with large interest or capital gains, and salaried people with big income on the side. Resident senior citizens (60 or older) who have no business or professional income do not have to pay it.
What are the advance tax due dates?
15 June (15% of the year’s tax), 15 September (45% in total), 15 December (75% in total) and 15 March (100%). If you use presumptive taxation for business or professional income, you can pay the whole amount in one instalment by 15 March.
What happens if I miss an advance tax instalment?
You pay interest at 1% a month. Deferment interest (section 425 of the Income-tax Act, 2025, formerly 234C) is charged for 3 months on each shortfall in the June, September and December instalments and for 1 month on the March one. If you have paid less than 90% of the tax by 31 March, default interest (section 424, formerly 234B) also runs at 1% a month from April until you pay the balance.
Do salaried employees need to pay advance tax?
Usually not, because the employer deducts TDS from the salary every month. You need to pay advance tax only if other income such as interest, rent, capital gains or freelance fees pushes the tax not covered by TDS to the threshold or above.
How do I pay advance tax?
Online on the income tax e-filing portal through e-Pay Tax, choosing the tax year and “Advance tax” as the payment type. You can pay by net banking, debit card, UPI or at a bank counter. Keep the challan details for your return.
Sources
Last updated 13 October 2026. Results are estimates for planning only and are not investment, tax or legal advice. See our disclaimer.