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Published on:

January 5, 2026

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Income Tax Online Payment: Quick Guide to Pay Taxes Online

Paying income tax online in India is now simple and fast. You can use the official portal of the Income Tax Department. You don't need to visit a bank in person. In this guide, you'll learn how to pay income tax online.

Online tax payment saves time and reduces errors. It is safe, secure and provides instant acknowledgement. Whether you are an individual, professional or business owner, paying online ensures your tax records are updated immediately. This guide will make it easy for you to understand income tax online payment.

What is Online Tax Payment

Online tax payment lets you pay taxes like advance tax, self-assessment tax or regular tax dues using the internet. This happens through the e-filing portal. You use net banking, debit card, UPI or other modes. Once payment is done, the receipt is generated immediately, and tax records are updated.

Who Should Use Online Payment

Online payment is useful for different kinds of taxpayers.

Individuals paying advance tax or self-assessment tax.

Companies and other assessee types where tax is due.

People who want to avoid visiting a bank branch.

Even if you don't have an account on the portal, you can pay tax using the pre-login “e-Pay Tax” option.

What Types of Tax Payments Work Online

You can use online payment for:

Advance tax (for individuals, businesses, professionals or others)

Self-assessment tax (when you owe additional tax at filing time)

Regular assessment tax (if you got a demand notice)

Taxes by deductors (TDS/TCS), penalties, interest and other fees if applicable.

Step by Step: How to Pay Income Tax Online

Here is a simple process to pay online. First, visit the official e-filing portal of the Income Tax Department.

‍Without logging in to the portal

On the homepage, go to “e-Pay Tax” under Quick Links.

Enter your PAN and mobile number. Confirm PAN by entering it twice.

You will get a one-time password (OTP) on your registered mobile. Enter it to proceed.

The portal will show a masked PAN and name for verification. Click Continue after verifying.

If you are logged in to the portal

Go to “e-File” → “e-Pay Tax”.

Then follow the same steps as above for payment.

Fill payment details

Choose “Income Tax” as the payment type.

Select the correct assessment year (e.g. for FY 2024-25, AY 2025-26).

Choose the type of payment: advance tax, self-assessment, etc.

Enter the amount and other required details.

Choose payment mode

You can pay with:

Net banking

Debit card (from selected banks)

UPI or payment gateway, if available

RTGS/NEFT (in some cases)

Going to a bank counter and depositing (less common but allowed)

Complete payment and download the receipt

Once payment is done, a challan receipt is generated. The receipt includes a Challan Identification Number (CIN), BSR code, date of payment, amount and bank details. Save or print this receipt. It is important while filing your return.

Authorised Banks for e-Tax Payment

The Income Tax Department allows tax payment only through authorised banks. These banks are linked to the official e-filing portal. Payments made through them are safe and directly credited to your PAN. Most major public and private sector banks are authorised. Such as:

State Bank of India

HDFC Bank

ICICI Bank

Axis Bank

Punjab National Bank

Bank of Baroda

Canara Bank

Union Bank of India

Kotak Mahindra Bank

IDBI Bank

If your bank supports net banking or debit card payments on the income tax portal, you can pay tax online easily. The updated list is available on the income tax e-filing website.

Benefits of e-Tax Payment

e-Tax payment makes paying income tax simple & convenient. It reduces paperwork and saves time. The main benefits are:

Payment can be made anytime from anywhere

No need to visit a bank branch

Instant generation of challan receipt

Faster update of tax records against PAN

Multiple payment options like net banking, UPI and debit card

Reduces the chances of errors compared to manual payment

Online payment also helps avoid late payment penalties. It ensures better tracking of tax payments during return filing.

Eligibility for e-Tax Payment

e-Tax payment is available to almost all types of taxpayers in India. There are no complex eligibility rules. The following persons can use e-Tax payment:

Individual taxpayers

Salaried employees

Self-employed professionals

Business owners

Companies and firms

Senior citizens (with internet access)

Both registered users and non-registered users can pay tax online. You only need a valid PAN and a mobile number linked to it. Login is optional for basic tax payment.

What Happens After Payment

Once payment is successful, the tax amount gets credited to your PAN. The payment reflects in your account automatically. You can verify the payment status on the portal. Your receipt/challan shows that the payment was made. If you use the bank challan option (offline), it may take 4 to 7 business days for the tax payment to reflect in your records.

When to Pay: Advance Tax & Self-Assessment Tax

You must pay advance tax if your tax liability in a year is above a certain limit and tax is not deducted at source. If you pay advance tax during the financial year, it is good. If not, when you file a return and see tax due, pay it as self-assessment tax using online payment. If you miss deadlines or underpay the advance tax, then interest may apply.

Outstanding Demand Payment

Outstanding demand is tax payable after the Income Tax Department raises a demand. This demand comes through a demand notice after assessment. If you agree with the demand then you can pay it online. This payment is also called tax on regular assessment.

Why Online Payment is Better

Online payment has many advantages. You can pay from home or the office at any time. No bank visit needed. Payment is instant. Receipt is generated immediately. It helps avoid delay and penalty due to late payment. It supports multiple payment methods. So it suits many people, salaried, self-employed, professionals, and businesses.

‍Also Read: Paying GST with Credit Cards

What to Keep in Mind Carefully

Always enter the correct PAN and mobile number to get OTP and a receipt.

Select the correct assessment year and type of payment (advance, self-assessment, etc.).

Save the challan receipt (CIN, BSR code etc.). It is useful during return filing.

Check payment status online after a few hours or days (if offline).

For advance tax, ensure you pay on time to avoid interest under the tax law.

‍Also Read: Tax Compliance for Influencer Marketing Payments: What You Need to Know

Conclusion

Online payment of income tax makes the process easy and quick. You can pay from anywhere. Multiple payment modes give flexibility. You get a receipt immediately. The payment is reflected against your PAN, which helps while filing tax returns. Using the official e-filing portal helps avoid delays, bank visits, and reduces hassle. If you follow the steps carefully and keep receipts safe, paying income tax becomes simple.

‍Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to GST Challans: Types, Generation, and Online Payment Process

FAQs

Can I pay income tax online without logging in to the portal?

Yes. You can use the “e-Pay Tax” option on the Income Tax Department portal without logging in. Just enter your PAN, mobile number and payment details.

What payment methods are accepted for online tax payment?

You can pay using net banking, debit cards, UPI or RTGS/NEFT in some cases. Payments are secure and receipts are generated instantly.

How long does it take for online tax payments to reflect?

Payments via net banking, UPI or debit cards are reflected immediately. Offline bank challan payments may take 4 to 7 business days.

Do I need to save the challan receipt?

Yes. The receipt contains the CIN and payment details. It is important while filing your income tax return.

What is the difference between advance tax and self-assessment tax?

Advance tax is paid during the financial year if the tax liability exceeds a certain amount. Self-assessment tax is paid at the time of filing the return for any remaining tax dues.