Advance Tax Instalments FY 2025-26: 15 June, 15 Sep, 15 Dec, 15 Mar

Instalment calendar (FY 2025-26)

• 15 June 2025 - 15% of estimated tax
• 15 September 2025 - 45% cumulative
• 15 December 2025 - 75% cumulative
• 15 March 2026 - 100% cumulative
• Special: 31 March 2026 for the final instalment if 15 March falls on a holiday (no change for this year)

How to estimate

Project your total income for the year - salary, business, interest, rent, capital gains - apply the chosen regime (new or old) and deduct TDS already deducted. Pay the remaining amount in the scheduled instalments. Presumptive taxpayers under Section 44AD/44ADA pay 100% by 15 March.

Impact on businesses

For business owners, freelancers and investors, advance tax is the main mechanism of paying tax on time. The classic mistake is ignoring interest income and capital gains in the estimate - those are the amounts that create 234B/234C interest on a large income with low instalments.

What you should do

• Prepare a simple income projection in April-June each year
• Set reminders for the four instalment dates
• Use the income tax portal calculator for quick estimates
• If you miss an instalment, pay with interest as soon as possible - interest accrues daily
• Reconcile advance tax paid with Form 26AS when filing the return