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How to pay income tax online with e-Pay Tax (2026)

10steps
1document to keep ready

You can pay income tax online with e-Pay Tax. The time is not stated on the official page.

Central Government Checked 2026-10-29 Income Tax e-Filing

Steps

  1. Select e-Pay Tax on the home page
    You don't need to log in to pay this way.
    Open this page
  2. Enter your E-Pay Tax page
    Use the number you have ready.
  3. Enter your mobile number for the OTP
    Make sure this phone can receive the OTP. Then select Continue to send the code to your phone.
  4. Enter the 6-digit OTP
    Type the code from your phone, then select Continue to check it. A success message shows your PAN with your name partly hidden.
  5. Choose the tax law for your year
    Up to 2026-27, choose Income Tax Act 1961 for the year after you earn income. From 2026-27 onwards, choose Income Tax Act 2025 for the year you earn income.
  6. Select Proceed on the matching tile
    Some tiles only open after the year you earn income has closed.
  7. Pick the year for your payment
    Choose the year that matches what you are paying. Then choose the minor head, the code for that type of tax.
  8. Enter amounts in Add Tax Break up Details
    Split your total tax into its parts. Then select Continue to see your payment choices.
  9. Choose your Payment mode
    Pick one, such as debit card, credit card, net banking or UPI (Unified Payments Interface), among others.
  10. Select Pay Now on Preview and Make Payment
    Check each amount and detail first. Pay only if everything is correct.
  11. After the last step
    Your bank's page opens next, so you can finish the payment.
    The official page does not say whether you get an e-mail or SMS (text message) confirmation.
    After you log in, download your Challan Receipt (payment slip) from e-File › e-Pay Tax › Payment History.
    Keep a copy of the receipt for your records.
    The official page does not say how long the payment takes.
    To verify your return next, read "How to e-Verify your income tax return online".
    If you are stuck on a step, see the last problem card.

Raju's example: choosing the right tax year

For example, Raju is a shop worker who needs to pay self-assessment tax for income he earns in Tax Year 2026–27. He tries to make this payment in March 2027, but the self-assessment tax tile is not yet available.

  1. Tax law to choose Income Tax Act 2025
  2. Year for his payment Tax Year 2026–27
  3. When self-assessment payment opens 1 April 2027

Raju must wait until 1 April 2027 to make this self-assessment tax payment. He then chooses Income Tax Act 2025 and Tax Year 2026–27.

The official rule: Choose Income Tax Act 2025 for Tax Year 2026–27 onwards. The self-assessment tax tile opens after the relevant tax year closes; for Tax Year 2026–27, payment opens on 1 April 2027.

Raju and his figures are an example; the rule is the official one.

What you need

  • Not listed on the official page
Fee: not stated on the official page.

Where to find it

Home e-Pay Tax Open the official page

If something goes wrong

Should I share my OTP or password with anyone?
No. Type your OTP and password only on the official website.
How to pay after logging in
Log in, then go to e-File › e-Pay Tax on the Dashboard. Choose the tax law for your year, then select Continue. Select New Payment, then Proceed on your tile.
What if my bank is not on the list?
Only authorized banks work for online payment here. For other banks, use NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) or RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement), as the official manual says.
What if my payment fails or no receipt appears?
For e-filing and processing queries, call 1800 103 0025 (Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 20:00 hrs). The official Contact Us page does not say which line handles failed payments or missing receipts.

Official help

Income Tax e-Filing official website
www.incometax.gov.in
e-filing and Centralized Processing Center helpline (Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 20:00 hrs)
1800 103 0025

Words used on this page

PAN (Permanent Account Number)Your income tax identification number.
TANA number used by people who deduct or collect tax. Full name not confirmed on an official page.
OTP (One-Time Password)A code sent to your mobile to check that you control it.
UPI (Unified Payments Interface)A way to pay directly from your bank account using a payment app.
NEFTA bank transfer method. The official manual names it for other banks.
RTGSA bank transfer method. The official manual names it for other banks.
ChallanThe official payment form for your tax.
Challan ReceiptThe receipt for your tax payment, found under Payment History after you log in.
Assessment YearThe year after you earn income.
Tax YearThe year you earn income.
Minor headThe code for the type of tax you are paying.

Sources and how we checked

Last checked against the official source: 2026-10-29

Known limits

Read on 29 October 2026. We have not tested the steps ourselves; if a screen looks different, follow the official website.