Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala made Zakat-al-Fitr (commonly known as Fitra) obligatory for every Muslim at the end of Ramadan. It is a compensation for our sins during Ramadan and a source of joy for the poor. It is reported that:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ obligated Zakat al-Fitr as purification of the fasting person from vain talk and misbehaviour, as food for the poor. Whoever pays it before the Eid prayer is accepted as Zakat. Whoever pays it after the Eid prayer, it is part of voluntary charity.”
Please consult a knowledgable local scholar on what the amount exactly is in your area.
Ans. You can pay Zakat-al-Fitr 2 days prior to Eid but no later than Eid prayer. Anything before or after that would be considered a general charity and not Zakat-al-Fitr. [1]
Ans. Yes. If someone pays for it, the obligation is fulfilled.
[1] https://islamqa.info/en/answers/37636/when-should-zakat-al-fitr-be-paid