What is Tax Account Number - TAN?

author portrait

Hiral Vakil

TAN
TAN Application
TDS
TDS Basics
Last updated on May 13th, 2021

TAN is the short form for Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number. It is a 10 digit alphanumeric number, issued to a person who is required to deduct or collect tax on payments made by them. It is to be obtained by all persons who are responsible for deducting tax at source (TDS) or who are required to collect tax at source (TCS).

Who needs TAN?

Every person who deducts or collects tax at source has to apply for the TAN. Since it is mandatory to file the following documents with the Income Tax Department:

As prescribed above, if a person fails to obtain or fails to quote a TAN, a penalty of INR 10,000 will be imposed.

Find the best plan
Find the best plan
GET EXPERT HELP
Find the best plan
Find the best plan

Understand TAN Number

It is 10 digit alphanumeric number which is explained in further detail below:

TAN Breakdown

The combination of all the above items give TAN it’s unique identity.

How to apply for TAN?

You can apply for TAN using Form 49B. There are two modes for form submission:

Check TAN Application Status
Check your TAN Status online. TAN (Tax Account Number) is a unique 10 digit issued by the Income Tax Department. Get TAN status, name, application type.
Explore
Check TAN Application Status
-Check your TAN Status online. TAN (Tax Account Number) is a unique 10 digit issued by the Income Tax Department. Get TAN status, name, application type.
Explore

Apply via TIN-FC

An application for allotment is to be filed in Form 49B and submitted to any TIN-FC. Addresses of TIN-FCs are available at the TIN-NSDL website. You can download the Form 49B, fill it, and send it to the nearest TIN-FC.

Online Application

You can also apply online from the TIN-NSDL website. Following are the steps:

  1. Go to TIN NSDL
  2. Go to Services > TAN > Apply Online
  3. Prepare Form 49B with the required information
  4. Save the Acknowledgment, sign it and send it to TIN NSDL within 15 days.

Documents required for TAN

Following are the documents required for the application:

Know Your TAN
TAN (Tax Account Number) is a unique 10 digit issued by the Income Tax Department to every taxpayer. Search by name and know your TAN.
Explore
Know Your TAN
TAN (Tax Account Number) is a unique 10 digit issued by the Income Tax Department to every taxpayer. Search by name and know your TAN.
Explore

Steps to file an Application Form for TAN on the TIN-NSDL Portal

Follow these steps to file an online application for the TAN on the TIN-NSDL portal.

  1. Visit the Tin-NSDL portal.

    Click on the Services > TAN option from the dashboard on the TIN-NSDL portal.TIN-NSDL - Dashboard

  2. Select the “New TAN” option

    From the “Apply Online” drop-down list.New TAN Application Option

  3. Go to “Apply for New TAN” section and select the “Category of Deductors” from the drop-down list.

    Select the applicable category.

  4. Click on the “Select” option

    After selecting the “Category of Deductors”
    Application for TAN - Select Category of Deductors

  5. Enter all the details in TAN Application Form 49B

    Click on the “Submit” option. TIN-NSDL - Form 49B

  6. click on the “Confirm” option.

    Enter the captcha code from the given image to complete the verification process of the registration. TIN-NSDL - Verify Registration

  7. Click on the “Agree” option below the “Terms and Conditions” section.

    Go through Terms and Conditions before you agree. TIN-NSDL - Terms and Agreements

  8. Choose the appropriate option the payment to complete the registration process.

    Payment can be done through Card or Net Banking. TIN-NSDL - Payment Page

  9. Download the TAN Application Acknowledgement

    It will be available to you in the PDF format which can be downloaded or printed if required.TIN-NSDL - TAN Tax Invoice

You can also track the status of the TAN application from the TIN-NSDL portal.

Steps to View TAN Application on TIN NSDL Portal

How to File an Application to Cancel TAN?

Therefore, after completing the payment process, an acknowledgment screen will be displayed with following information:

  1. Unique 14-digit acknowledgment number
  2. Status of applicant
  3. Name of applicant
  4. Contact details
  5. Payment details
  6. Space for Signature

Steps to View TAN Application on TIN NSDL Portal

FAQs

1. How to check TAN application status?

You can track the application status either on TIN-NSDL or using track your TAN status tool.

2. Can I have more than one Tax Account Numbers?

No, you can not have more than one TAN. If a duplicate is allotted, you must surrender the duplicate it.

3. How long does it take to get TAN?

If you submit Form 49B without a digital signature, you must send a signed copy of Acknowledgement to TIN NSDL. TIN-NSDL will only process your application once they receive signed acknowledgment. It should take 1-2 weeks to receive your Tax Account Number post that.

Got Questions? Ask Away!

  1. Hey @Sofiyah_Valiante ,

    TAN is the short form for Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number.
    It is a 10 digit alphanumeric number. The first 3 alphabets represent the jurisdiction code, 4th alphabet is the initial of the name of the holder who can be a company, firm, individual, etc.
    It is to be obtained by all persons who are responsible for deducting tax at source (TDS) or who are required to collect tax at source (TCS).