Understanding advance tax and the potential penal interest involved might seem like a tax season maze. Fear not!
We’re here to break it down in simple terms, focusing on incomes where advance tax can be paid in the next quarter without facing penal interest.
The Basics
If your estimated tax liability for the financial year, after subtracting TDS, exceeds Rs 10,000, you’ll be diving into the world of advance tax. The Income-tax Act, 1961, lays down the rules for individual payments before specified due dates. Falling short on these payments can result in penalties under Section 234C.
Exempt Incomes
But here’s the silver lining – certain incomes get a pass on advance tax. These specific earnings won’t incur penal interest under Section 234C if you pay the advance tax on the next due date after the income becomes due or is paid.
Specified Incomes Exempt from Penal Interest
- Any Capital gains income
- Winnings from lotteries, or any gambling or betting game
- Income under the head profits and gains from business or profession if it’s the first time the income has accrued or arisen
- Dividend income from an Indian company excluding deemed dividend
Why the Exemption?
The law provides a relaxation for not paying penal interest on these incomes because accurately calculating tax liability isn’t always possible. However, this doesn’t mean you’re off the hook from paying advance tax.
Financial Year and Example Scenario
Remember, income tax follows the financial year, starting in April and ending in March of the next year. For example, a salaried individual buys a lottery ticket in Q1 2023 (April-June) and wins Rs 11,000 in Q2 2023 (July-September). To avoid penal interest, they should estimate the new tax liability and pay advance tax in Q3 and Q4, factoring in the lottery income.
When is Penal Interest Applicable?
Section 234C specifies that an individual must pay the accurate tax liability within the four specified advance tax schedules. Failing to do so results in penal interest of 1% per month on the shortfall amount.
Due Dates to Pay Advance Tax
As per the Income-Tax rule act, the following dates are when individuals needs to file in their advance tax –
|
Due Date |
Advance tax payment percentage |
|
On or before June 15 (Q1) |
15% of the net estimated tax liability |
|
On or before September 15 (Q2) |
45% of the net estimated tax liability minus advance tax already paid |
|
On or before December 15 (Q3) |
75% of the net estimated tax minus advance tax already paid |
|
On or before March 15 (Q4) |
100% of net estimated tax minus advance tax already paid |
In conclusion, navigating advance tax and avoiding penal interest is about understanding the rules, paying attention to due dates, and accurately estimating your tax liability. Stay informed and stay on top of your tax game for a smoother financial journey.