What is the difference between TDS and advance tax?

TDS is tax deducted at source: the payer deducts it from certain payments, such as salary, professional fees or contractor payments, and deposits it with the government in the payee's name. The payee later claims it as credit in the income tax return.

Advance tax is tax you pay yourself, in instalments during the financial year, on your estimated income, when your tax liability after TDS is Rs 10,000 or more. It is paid by challan, not deducted by anyone else.

In short, TDS is paid on your behalf by the payer, while advance tax is paid directly by you. Confirm how this applies to your own case with your CA or tax advisor.