Must Zakaat be paid on the exact date it becomes due?

Answer

Zakaat becomes due at the end of your Zakaat year which

REPENTANCE

(TAUBAH)

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

"The sincere repenter is the beloved of Allah and he is like one who is sinless."

is 12 months from the time you become the owner of Nisaab. Although the Zakaat becomes due, it is permissible to pay it to the needy as you deem appropriate. It is not Waajib to pay it on the exact day it becomes due.