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HomeGuidesTAN Number Guide
FY 2025-26 · AY 2026-27
Updated August 2026

Comprehensive Guide to TAN Number in IndiaUnderstanding TAN for FY 2025-26

Explore the essentials of TAN, its importance, application process, and more for the fiscal year 2025-26.

Table of Contents
1

What is a TAN?


2

Who Should Apply for TAN?


3

Importance of TAN Number


4

Structure of TAN


5

TAN Application Process


6

TAN Application Fees


7

TAN Search


8

FAQs on TAN

What is a TAN?

Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) is a unique identifier for entities responsible for deducting or collecting tax at source.

  1. Definition and Purpose

    TAN is essential for entities involved in tax deduction or collection at source.

    • Issued by the Income Tax Department under Section 203A.

    • Mandatory for all entities deducting TDS or collecting TCS.

    • Used in all TDS/TCS returns, payments, and communications.

  2. Legal Requirement

    TAN is a statutory requirement under the Income Tax Act, 1961.

    • Non-compliance attracts a penalty of ₹10,000 under Section 272BB.

    • Required for issuing TDS certificates such as Form 16A.

    • Necessary for filing TDS returns using forms like 24Q and 26Q.

Who Should Apply for TAN?

  1. Entities Required to Apply

    TAN is mandatory for various entities involved in tax deduction or collection.

    • Companies and firms deducting TDS on salaries, interest, etc.

    • Government offices responsible for tax deduction.

    • Individuals and HUFs liable to deduct TDS under specific conditions.

  2. Exemptions

    Certain entities are exempt from obtaining TAN.

    • Individuals not liable to deduct TDS.

    • Entities not involved in tax collection at source.

    • Salaried individuals not responsible for TDS deduction.

Importance of TAN Number

  1. Facilitates Tax Compliance

    TAN ensures smooth compliance with tax deduction and collection regulations.

    • Enables accurate tracking of TDS/TCS transactions.

    • Essential for filing quarterly TDS/TCS returns.

    • Ensures proper credit of TDS to the deductee's account.

  2. Avoidance of Penalties

    Possession of TAN helps avoid legal penalties.

    • Prevents penalties of ₹10,000 for non-compliance.

    • Ensures timely issuance of TDS certificates.

    • Facilitates smooth processing of tax refunds.

Structure of TAN

  1. Composition of TAN

    TAN is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code.

    • First four characters are alphabets.

    • Next five characters are numeric.

    • Last character is an alphabet.

  2. Example of TAN

    Understanding TAN structure with an example.

    • Example: ABCD12345E.

    • First three characters represent the jurisdiction.

    • Last character is a check digit for validation.

TAN Application Process

  1. Online Application

    TAN can be applied online through the NSDL website.

    • Visit the NSDL-TIN website and select 'TAN Application'.

    • Fill in Form 49B with accurate details.

    • Submit the form and note the acknowledgment number.

  2. Offline Application

    TAN can also be applied offline using physical forms.

    • Download and fill Form 49B from the Income Tax website.

    • Submit the form at TIN-FC centers.

    • Receive acknowledgment receipt for tracking.

TAN Application Fees

  1. Fee Structure

    TAN application involves a nominal fee.

    • Online application fee is ₹65 inclusive of GST.

    • Offline application fee is ₹55 plus applicable taxes.

    • Payment can be made via credit/debit card or net banking.

  2. Fee Payment Process

    Steps to pay TAN application fees.

    • Select payment mode during application submission.

    • Ensure successful transaction to receive acknowledgment.

    • Retain payment receipt for future reference.

TAN Search

  1. Online TAN Search

    TAN can be searched online for verification.

    • Visit the Income Tax Department's e-filing portal.

    • Select 'Know Your TAN' under the services tab.

    • Enter required details to retrieve TAN information.

  2. Verification of TAN

    Ensuring the authenticity of TAN.

    • Verify TAN details using the NSDL-TIN website.

    • Cross-check TAN with TDS certificates issued.

    • Ensure correct TAN is quoted in all tax documents.

FAQs on TAN

What is the penalty for not having a TAN?

The penalty for not obtaining a TAN when required is ₹10,000 under Section 272BB of the Income Tax Act.


Can TAN be used for multiple branches?

Yes, a single TAN can be used for multiple branches of the same entity, provided they are under the same jurisdiction.


Is TAN required for salaried individuals?

No, salaried individuals are not required to obtain a TAN unless they are responsible for deducting TDS in a professional capacity.


How long does it take to receive a TAN?

Upon successful application, TAN is typically allotted within 15 days. The acknowledgment number can be used to track the status.


Can TAN be cancelled?

Yes, TAN can be cancelled if it is no longer required. The cancellation request must be submitted to the Income Tax Department with valid reasons.


Is there a fee for TAN modification?

Yes, a fee of ₹65 is applicable for any changes or corrections to TAN details, similar to the application fee.


What documents are needed for TAN application?

No specific documents are required for TAN application, but accurate details must be provided in Form 49B.


Can TAN be applied for online?

Yes, TAN can be applied for online through the NSDL-TIN website by filling Form 49B and paying the applicable fee.


What is the difference between TAN and PAN?

TAN is used for tax deduction and collection at source, while PAN is a unique identifier for individuals and entities for tax purposes.


How to correct errors in TAN details?

Errors in TAN details can be corrected by submitting a correction request through the NSDL-TIN website with the necessary fee.

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