Advance tax is the quiet compliance that trips up first-time freelancers, F&O traders, and founders drawing income beyond salary. Miss the instalments and interest under Sections 234B and 234C accrues automatically — no notice needed.
The four dates
- 15 June — 15% of estimated annual tax
- 15 September — 45% cumulative
- 15 December — 75% cumulative
- 15 March — 100%
Who must pay
Anyone whose tax liability for the year, after TDS, exceeds ₹10,000. Salaried employees are usually covered by employer TDS — until rental income, capital gains, or interest income enters the picture.
Presumptive taxpayers get one date
If you file under Section 44AD or 44ADA, the entire advance tax is due in a single instalment by 15 March — one of the genuinely underrated conveniences of the presumptive scheme.
Practical approach: Re-estimate income each quarter rather than once in April — instalments are cumulative, so a good September correction erases a weak June estimate.