In India, Income tax can be paid online through the e-Pay Tax service available on the Income Tax department’s official e-Filing webpage. Payments can be made after entering in to your account. You can also use the pre-login e-Pay Tax service using your PAN/TAN and OTP verification for supported payments.
The process usually entails selecting the right tax category and period, entering the tax amount, obtaining a Challan Reference Number (CRN), selecting the mode of payment, and finishing the transaction. Always download and save your challan receipt for your records after successful payment.
Requirements
Before you make an online income tax payment, here’s what you need to prepare:
• Valid PAN or TAN as applicable
• Registered e-Filing account (if post-login technique is used)
• Active cellphone number for OTP (in case of pre-login technique)
• Correct tax period or assessment information
• Tax amount and applicable breakdown
• Access to the payment method you choose
Most important, before you make the payment, check that you are paying the right tax type and time. The portal now has an in-built payment system for the payment of dues under the Income Tax Act, 1961, and payments under the Income Tax Act, 2025, as the case may be. For instance, it states that self-assessment tax for AY 2026-27 is still under the 1961 Act, whereas payments relating to Tax Year 2026-27 onwards are under the 2025 Act.
Payment via Installments
The easiest way is to make the payment after logging into the e-Filing portal.
• Go to the official Income Tax e-Filing website.
• Sign in with your credentials.
• Go to e-File. Click on e-Pay Tax.
• Click New Payment.
• Choose the right type of tax payment.
• Choose the relevant tax period, payment option, and other required information.
• Enter the tax breakup and total amount
• Read all the information carefully.
• Please generate the challan or CRN.
• Choose your selected payment option and complete your transaction.
You can also start eligible payments without logging in. Pre-login process: Enter the required PAN/TAN and mobile details, complete OTP verification, select the applicable tax payment category, enter the required details, and proceed for payment.
Payment options
The e-Pay Tax function now offers several different methods of payment, including:
• Net Banking via authorized banks
• Authorized banks' debit cards
• Payment Gateway .
• Credit Card Payment Gateway
• UPI via the Payment Gateway
• RTGS/NEFT
• Pay qualifying transactions at the Bank counter.
What options are available will depend on the payment mode selected and the banks involved. For RTGS/NEFT, a mandate form is created, while Payment Gateway can enable access to credit card, debit card, UPI, and net banking choices.
Confirm Payment
Don’t think a payment is complete just because you see the money leaving your bank account.
After payment, go to the area of Payment History under e-Pay Tax and obtain the challan receipt. The Income Tax Department said that on a successful transaction, payment information and challan receipt may be seen in Payment History. Confirmation may also be sent to your registered e-mail address and cellphone number.”
Hold onto the receipt since it provides a crucial record that you paid tax.
Errors You Must Not Make
Choosing the incorrect tax period or payment category is one of the worst mistakes you can make. Always verify these data before you pay.
Also avoid:
• Wrong PAN or TAN entered
• Paying on illegal or suspicious websites
• Enter incorrect amount of tax
• Choosing the wrong payment type
• Making a duplicate payment immediately if a clear status of the first transaction is not available.
• Challan receipt not saved
If a payment is unsuccessful but your account is debited, check the status of the payment through the portal before paying again.
Questions & Answers
1. How do I pay income tax online without login?
Yes. The Income Tax e-Filing portal allows pre-login tax payments for eligible transactions with a valid PAN/TAN and mobile number for OTP verification.
2. Can I pay income tax by UPI?
Yes. UPI has been made available as a sub-payment option through the Payment Gateway facility on the e-Pay Tax system.
3. Can I use a credit card to pay my income tax?
Yeah. Supported Payment Mode: Payment Gateway (Credit Cards)
Must Read: What are the different modes of income tax payment?
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