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Advance Tax Calculator
Section 208 requires you to pay advance tax in four instalments (15%, 45%, 75%, 100%) if your net tax liability after TDS is ₹10,000 or more. Miss the schedule and 234B/234C interest kicks in at 1% per month.
From salary, FD, contracts etc — see Form 26AS / AIS.
Instalments paid (each row is amount paid IN that quarter)
| Due | % required | Cumulative target | Cumulative paid | Shortfall | 234C interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 15 | 15% | ₹12,000 | ₹0 | ₹12,000 | ₹360 |
| Sep 15 | 45% | ₹36,000 | ₹0 | ₹36,000 | ₹1,080 |
| Dec 15 | 75% | ₹60,000 | ₹0 | ₹60,000 | ₹1,800 |
| Mar 15 | 100% | ₹80,000 | ₹0 | ₹80,000 | ₹800 |
The schedule
- 15 Jun — at least 15% of estimated liability
- 15 Sep — cumulative 45%
- 15 Dec — cumulative 75%
- 15 Mar — full 100%
234B vs 234C — what triggers what
Section 234C is the "deferment" interest: 1% per month × 3 months on the shortfall vs each cumulative instalment target (Q4 attracts 1 month only). It's charged even if you eventually pay the full liability.
Section 234B is the "default" interest: 1% per month from Apr 1 of the next FY, on the year-end shortfall, but only if you paid less than 90% of the assessed tax by Mar 31. It runs until you actually pay (typically when filing ITR).
Who is exempt?
- Senior citizens (60+) with no business / professional income.
- Anyone with net tax liability after TDS below ₹10,000.
- 44AD / 44ADA filers can pay the entire liability by 15 Mar in one shot.
FAQ
What if my income is hard to predict — do I still need to pay advance tax?
Yes if your final liability is ≥ ₹10,000. For variable income (consultants, freelancers, business owners), most CAs recommend paying based on YTD-to-date earnings projected for the year, then trueing up at year-end. Underpay slightly and 234B/C interest is just 1%/month — usually cheaper than overpaying and locking up cash.
Can I pay all advance tax in one shot before March 15?
Only if you file under sections 44AD or 44ADA (presumptive). For everyone else, missing the 15 Jun / 15 Sep / 15 Dec instalments triggers 234C interest on each shortfall — even if you pay in full by 15 March.
Is 234C interest charged if I pay 90% by year-end?
234C is per-quarter — independent of year-end. Even if you pay the full 100% by 15 March, missing earlier instalments still attracts 234C. 234B (the bigger one) only kicks in if year-end paid < 90% of liability.