What is Advance Tax?

How to Calculate & Pay Advance Tax?

Advance tax means income tax should be paid in advance instead of lump sum payment at year end. It is also known as pay as you earn tax. These payments have to be made in installments as per due dates provided by the income tax department.

 Who should pay Advance Tax?

Salaried,freelancers and businesses– If your total tax liability is Rs 10,000 or more in a financial year you have to pay advance tax. Advance tax applies to all tax payers, salaried, freelancers, and businesses. Senior citizens, who are 60 years or older, and do not run a business, are exempt from paying advance tax.

Presumptive Businesses– Taxpayers who opt for presumptive scheme where business income is assumed at 8% of turnover of less than ₹2 crore are exempt from advance tax for FY2017-18.

Presumptive income for Businesses  for FY 2016-17 – Starting financial year taxpayers who opt for presumptive scheme have to pay whole amount of their advance tax in one installment on or before 15th March. If they pay all of their tax dues by 31st March that is also ok. Starting FY 2016-17. businesses with turnover of Rs 2 crores or less can opt for this scheme.

Presumptive income for Professionals for FY 2016-17– Starting FY 2016-17, this scheme has been extended to professionals such as doctors, lawyers, architects etc if their gross receipts are 50 lakhs or less(Section 44ADA). Such taxpayers have to pay advance tax as per quarterly installments.

Due Dates for payment of Advance Tax

FY 2017-18 & FY 2016-17

For both individual and corporate taxpayers

Due Date	Advance Tax Payable
On or before 15th June	15% of advance tax
On or before 15th September	45% of advance tax
On or before 15th December	75% of advance tax
On or before 15th March	100% of advance tax

For taxpayers who have opted for Presumptive Taxation Scheme – Business Income

Due Date	Advance Tax Payable
by 31st March	100% of advance tax

For taxpayers opting for presumptive taxation having business income from plying, hiring or leasing of goods carriages Section 44AE

Due Date	Advance Tax Payable
On or before 15th June	15% of advance tax
On or before 15th September	45% of advance tax
On or before 15th December	75% of advance tax
On or before 15th March	100% of advance tax

For FY 2014-15 and FY 2015-16

Due Date	For corporate taxpayers	For individual taxpayers
On or before 15th June	15% of advance tax	–
On or before 15th September	45% of advance tax	30% of advance tax
On or before 15th December	75% of advance tax	60% of advance tax
On or before 15th March	100% of advance tax	100% of advance tax