1What is self-assessment tax?
The balance tax you owe after TDS and advance tax, paid before filing your return. You compute it while preparing the return and pay it so your filing shows no outstanding liability.
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ArticleWhen you sit down to file and find tax still payable after TDS and advance tax, that balance is self-assessment tax — and you pay it before submitting your return. Here's how.
Reviewed by CA Harika Chebolu, FCA · Last updated 2026-06-13
Quick answer
Self-assessment tax is the balance you pay before filing if TDS and advance tax didn't cover your liability. Here's how to pay it online.
Self-assessment tax is the remaining tax you owe for the year after accounting for TDS and any advance tax already paid. You compute it while preparing your return, and pay it before filing so your return shows no outstanding liability.
Work out your total tax for the year under your chosen regime, add any interest due (under 234A/B/C), then subtract the TDS in your 26AS and any advance tax paid. The shortfall is your self-assessment tax. Include the interest so the payment fully clears the dues.
Use the e-pay tax facility on the income tax portal, select self-assessment tax for the correct assessment year, enter the amount (tax plus interest), and pay by net banking, UPI or card. Using the right assessment year ensures it's credited properly.
After paying, note the challan details (BSR code, challan number, date, amount) and enter them in the tax-paid schedule of your return. This links your payment to your return so it's recognised and your filing shows nil balance.
Pay the self-assessment tax before you submit and verify the return, so the return reflects the payment. Filing with tax still unpaid can lead to a demand and added interest, so clear it first.
The balance tax you owe after TDS and advance tax, paid before filing your return. You compute it while preparing the return and pay it so your filing shows no outstanding liability.
Use the e-pay tax facility on the income tax portal — select self-assessment tax for the correct assessment year and pay by net banking, UPI or card. Then record the challan in your return.
Before submitting and verifying your return , so the return reflects the payment. Filing with tax unpaid can lead to a demand and added interest, so clear it first.
Tax still payable at filing? Write to the firm and we'll compute and pay your self-assessment tax correctly.