It is crucial to note that fundamentally, Zakat payment must be expedited. However, in scenarios such as having overlooked/forgotten, financial challenges and so on, there are 2 solutions available:

1. Make payment on instalment basis till complete.
2. If unable to afford, payment can be deferred with the intention to pay next year.

That said, it is best that payment be settled immediately as such pending payment is considered debt which is rightfully due to Allah SWT and Asnaf.

Reference: Matter 1, Compilation of Syariah Questions Records January - June 2019, approved by the LZS Shariah Advisory Committee Meeting