What is TAN number

About TAN number

TAN stands for Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number. It is a 10-digit alphanumeric number that is assigned to individuals and entities that are required to deduct or collect tax at source on behalf of the Income Tax Department of India.

TAN is mandatory for entities that deduct or collect tax at source (TDS/TCS), as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961. 

It is used as a unique identification number for such entities, and is required for all TDS/TCS-related transactions, including the filing of TDS/TCS returns.

TAN is issued by the Income Tax Department of India upon application by the entity or individual, and is valid for the entire lifetime of the entity or until it is surrendered or cancelled.

How to register 

To register for a TAN number in India, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the official website of the Income Tax Department of India at: https://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/ or https://www.tin-nsdl.com/.

• Click on the "Services" tab and select "TAN" from the drop-down menu.

• Click on "Apply Online" and select the appropriate category of deductor from the options provided, such as individual, company, or government.
• Fill out the online TAN application form with all the required details, including name, address, contact information, and PAN (Permanent Account Number).
• Once the application is complete, submit the form online and note down the unique acknowledgement number provided.
• Pay the TAN application fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
• After payment, take a printout of the filled application form and sign it.

Send the signed application form along with required documents, such as proof of identity and address, to the NSDL e-Governance Infrastructure Limited at the address mentioned on the website.

Your TAN application will be processed and a TAN number will be issued to you within a few weeks.

It is important to note that you can also apply for TAN offline by filling out a physical form and submitting it at any of the authorized TIN-FCs (Tax Information Network-Facilitation Centres) in India.