How To Make E-Payment Of Tax On Income Tax Portal 2025

Paying income tax through the official portal is straightforward when you understand the available options and processes. Choose the payment method that best suits your needs, considering the associated charges and processing times.

Flowchart on online  income tax payment step by step guide
Prepared by CA Shekhar Maske

Income Tax Payment Methods Comparison

The Income Tax Department offers multiple convenient ways to pay your taxes. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each payment method:

Payment ModeFeaturesChargesProcessing TimeMaximum Limit
Net BankingAvailable through authorized banksFreeInstantNo limit
Credit CardAvailable through authorized banks1.5-2% transaction feeInstantBased on the card limit
Debit CardAvailable through authorized banks0.75-1% transaction feeBased on the card limitBased on card limit
NEFT/RTGSAvailable for all taxpayersAs per bank charges1-2 business daysNo limit
Challan Payment at BankAvailable for all taxpayersFree2-3 business daysNo limit
UPIAvailable through authorized banksFreeInstant₹2,00,000 per transaction

Important Points to Remember while making online income tax Payments.

  • Keep your PAN, password, and bank credentials ready before starting the process.
  • Ensure proper internet connectivity throughout the payment process
  • Note down the Challan Identification Number (CIN) for future reference
  • Save digital copies of all payment receipts
  • Different payment modes may have different processing fees
  • NEFT/RTGS payments require visiting the bank physically with challan details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General Payment Questions

Q1: Can I pay taxes online without logging into the Income Tax portal?

A: Yes, you can make tax payments in pre-login mode through the e-Pay Tax option. You’ll need your PAN, assessment year, and payment details to do so.

Q2: What happens if I miss the advance tax payment deadline?

A: Missing advance tax deadlines results in interest charges under Sections 234B and 234C of the Income Tax Act. Interest is charged at 1% per month or part thereof. One should always

Q3: Is there a minimum amount required for advance tax payment?

A: Yes, advance tax is mandatory if your estimated tax liability for the financial year is ₹10,000 or more after considering TDS/TCS.

Payment Modes and Processing

Q4: Which payment mode is the fastest for tax payment?

A: Net banking, debit card, and credit card payments offer instant confirmation. NEFT/RTGS takes a few hours, while over-the-counter payments may take 2-3 business days.

Q5: Can I pay taxes using someone else’s bank account?

A: While technically possible, it is recommended that you use your bank account for tax payments to maintain a clear audit trail.

Q6: What should I do if my online payment fails but money is deducted?

A: If payment is deducted but challan isn’t generated:

  • Wait for 24 hours, as the transaction might be processing
  • Check your bank statement
  • Save the transaction reference number
  • Contact your bank and the Income Tax Department if the issue is not resolved

Technical and Process-Related

Q7: How long should I keep tax payment receipts?

A: Keep tax payment receipts for at least 7 years. It’s recommended that both digital and physical copies of challans and payment confirmations be maintained.

Q8: Can I modify a challan after generation?

A: If you notice any errors, let the challan expire and generate a new one with the correct details.

Q9: Is there a way to schedule advance tax payments?

A: Currently, the Income Tax portal doesn’t offer scheduled payments. You need to make payments before each due date manually.

Special Scenarios

Q10: Can NRIs use international credit cards for tax payments?

A: Yes, international credit cards are accepted. However, you must ensure they’re enabled for international transactions and verify any additional bank charges.

Q11: What if the payment due date falls on a bank holiday?

A: If the due date falls on a bank holiday or weekend, the payment can be made on the next working day without any penalties.

Q12: Can I pay advance tax in one lump sum?

A: You can pay the entire advance tax in one payment. However, they should be paid before the first instalment due date to avoid interest charges.

Common Troubleshooting

Q13: Why can’t I see my tax payment in Form 26AS?

A: Tax payments are typically reflected in Form 26AS within 2-3 working days. If not visible after this period:

  1. Verify if the PAN details are correct
  2. Check if the payment was successful
  3. Contact your bank or the Income Tax Department

Q14: What browsers are compatible with the Income Tax portal?

A: The portal works best with the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge.

Q15: Can I get a refund if I paid excess tax?

A: Excess tax payments are refundable. File your Income Tax Return accurately declaring the excess fee, and the refund will be processed automatically.