Paying advance tax online: the CRN steps

Every direct tax payment on the portal now starts with a challan and its CRN (Challan Reference Number). The FAQ says generating it is mandatory.

Step by step

1. Open the e-Filing portal. e-Pay Tax is in Quick Links before login, and also after login
2. Create the challan. Advance Tax is a listed payment type, minor head 100
3. Pick a mode: Net Banking, Debit Card, Pay at Bank Counter, RTGS/NEFT or Payment Gateway (Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI)
4. Pay within the validity
5. Save the receipt

Example

Illustrative example only. Worksheet says ₹24,000 is your next instalment. You generate a CRN for ₹24,000 and pay by UPI through the Payment Gateway the same evening.

⚠️ Note

A CRN is valid for 15 days. For advance tax: 15 days or 31st March of the financial year, whichever is earlier. Expired CRN? Generate a fresh one.

Before you pay

• ☐ Work out the instalment
• ☐ Check PAN and the year on the challan
• ☐ Choose minor head 100
• ☐ Save the receipt

Advance tax worksheet is ready, enter your estimate →

Source: incometax.gov.in, e-Pay Tax FAQs; Create Challan FAQ; Challan Correction Request FAQs.