How to pay income tax challan due: Complete step-by-step guide

Filing income tax is, of course, a staple for every taxpayer in India. Like any other in the world, the Indian government collects taxes to run the country seamlessly, including paying wages, managing defence, and enhancing the state's economic and healthcare infrastructure.

The government implements a system of advance tax payments to ensure timely payments. One primary method for paying your taxes is through the income tax challan. These instalments are paid throughout the financial year, culminating in the final tax filing at the year's end.

This guide will walk you through the process of income tax challan payment due for 2024-25.

Also Read: ITR filing last date for AY 2024-25 (FY 2023-24): Due dates for filing income tax returns, TDS, advance tax payments

Due dates for advance tax payment for FY 2024-25

The Income Tax Department sets specific due dates for advance tax payments throughout the financial year. A table summarising these deadlines and the corresponding percentages of your total tax liability is provided by the Income Tax Department.

Instalment	Due Date	Percentage of Tax Liability
1st Instalment	June 15, 2024	15%
2nd Instalment	September 15, 2024	45% (30% of remaining liability)
3rd Instalment	December 15, 2024	75% (30% of remaining liability)
4th Instalment	March 31, 2025	100% (Remaining liability)

Documents required for paying income tax online

To make a smooth online tax payment, ensure you have the following documents readily available:

1. Form 16
2. Aadhaar Card
3. PAN Card
4. Form 16 B, Form 16A, or Form 16C
5. Salary slips and bank statement
6. Form 26AS
7. Tax saving investment proof
8. Home loan statement
9. Capital gain statement
10. Interest certificates issued by post office or bank

Step-by-step process to e-pay tax online

The Income Tax Department offers a convenient e-filing portal for online payment of income tax challans. Here's a detailed breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Visit the income tax portal

• Begin by visiting India's official Income Tax Department e-filing portal.
• Find the "e-pay tax" section on the homepage.

Step 2: Enter PAN/TAN and mobile number

• Log in using your TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) or PAN (Permanent Account Number).
• Enter your registered mobile number and proceed by clicking 'Continue'.

• Now submit the 6-digit OTP you received on your mobile number and click 'Continue.

Step 3: Select the assessment year and payment type

• Choose the first option labelled 'Income Tax' and click "Proceed".

• Click "Assessment Year" and select the year you pay the tax (FY 2024-25).

Step 4: Enter tax payment details

• Fill in the required tax breakup details accurately, including the amount you need to pay.

Step 5: Select payment method

• Choose your preferred payment method.
• The portal supports various payment methods such as net banking, debit card, and payment gateway.

• Once you select your favourable payment method, click 'Continue'.

Step 6: Verify payment information

• In this step, you can see a preview of the challan details.
• Carefully verify all the entered information before proceeding. Ensure that all the details are correct to avoid any issues later.

• Select 'Edit' to modify the correction needed, or click 'Pay Now' to pay.

Step 7: Submit the payment and receive confirmation

• A pop-up of Terms and Conditions will appear. Check the box once you go through the T&C section.
• To proceed with the payment, click 'Submit to Bank'.

• Once the transaction is completed, you will receive a confirmation receipt.
• Keep this receipt as proof of payment for your future records.

Remember to download the challan. You will need the Challan number and BSR code to complete the return filing process.

FAQs

How to download the paid income tax challan?
You can download your paid income tax challan after e-payment. Log in to India's official income tax e-filing portal, and go to "e-Pay Tax" and "Generated Challans." Find your challan, click on it, and download the PDF.

What happens if we don't pay challan?
If you fail to pay the income tax challan on time, you may be subject to penalties, interest charges, and possible legal actions from the Income Tax Department.

What is the time limit for challan correction?
The time limit for correcting errors in the challan is seven days from the payment date. Corrections can be made through the Income Tax Department's website. If you find an error after payment, you can't modify the existing challan. However, you can rectify the mistake by filing a revised challan