Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number better known as TAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric number. The number is required to be obtained by all persons who are responsible for deducting or collecting the tax.
The alphanumeric number is allotted by the Income Tax (IT) Department under Section 203A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It is required to be mandatory quoted on all TDS returns.
Why is TAN Required?
TAN is required by all individuals because without it Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) or Tax Collected at Source (TCS) returns are not accepted by TIN facilitation centers. Banks to do not accept the challans for TDS/TCS payments if TAN is not quoted.
It needs to be mentioned that failing to apply for TAN or not quoting the 10-digit alphanumeric number in specified documents like TDS/TCS returns, e-TDS/e-TCS returns, TDS/TCS certificates, and TDS/TCS payment challans can attract a penalty of Rs.10,000.
Who Needs to Apply for TAN?
All those who are required to deduct or collect tax at source on behalf of the Income Tax department need to apply and obtain the 10-digit alphanumeric TAN.
Types of TAN Applications
There are basically two types of TAN applications. They are:
• Application for issuance of new TAN
• Form for change or correction in TAN data for TAN allotted
How to Apply TAN?
Applicants can apply for a new TAN either by applying online or by visiting any of the TIN facilitation centers of National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL).
To apply online for a new TAN, applicants can follow the steps mentioned below:
- Visit NSDL
- Select ‘TAN’ under the ‘Services’ dropdown
- Click on ‘Apply Online’
- Select ‘New TAN’
- On the new page, choose from the list ‘category of deductors’ and click on ‘Select’
- In doing so, you are redirected to Form 49B
- Fill in the form and click ‘Submit’
- On confirmation, an acknowledgement screen is displayed which contains
- A 14-digit acknowledgement number
- Status of the applicant
- Name of the applicant
- Contact details
- Payment details
- Space of signature
- The applicant is required to save the acknowledgement and get a printout of it
- The printout of the acknowledgement along with other documents is required to be sent to NSDL
For applying offline, the process is the same as mentioned above apart from the fact that the applicant is required to visit the TIN facilitation centers located in their place of residence.
Where Can I Get Physical Application Forms To Apply For TAN ?
The application form i.e. Form 49B can be obtained from any of the TIN facilitation centres or can be simply downloaded by visiting NSDL Website
How to Check the Status of TAN Application?
After the applicant has successfully submitted the TAN application, they can check the status of the application after three days using the 14-digit acknowledgement number. They can do so by following the steps mentioned below:
- Visit NSDL
- Select ‘TAN’ under the ‘Services’ dropdown
- Click on ‘Know Status of Your Application’
- Select ‘Application Type’
- Provide the acknowledgement number
- Enter the captcha code
- Click ‘Submit’
The status of the application can also be checked by calling on 020 – 27218080 or by sending an SMS to 57575 typing ‘NSDLTAN’.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On TAN
- Who allots TAN?
TAN is allotted by the Income Tax Department of the country.
- Who will intimate me about the TAN?
provided in the application form.
- What documents do I need to submit with the TAN application?
No document is required to be submitted while making a TIN application.
- Do I need to pay for availing a TAN card?
Yes, you need to pay an amount of Rs.65 for availing a TAN card
- What payment modes are available for making the payment of fees?
The payment of the processing fee can be made through the following payment modes:
- Demand Draft
- Cheque
- Credit card/Debit card
- Net banking
- While paying through demand draft or cheque, whom should I address it to?
Demand Draft and cheque should be in favor of NSDL-TIN.
- Should I apply for a new TAN if I change my address?
If the relocation is within the same city then it is not required. However, if the relocation is happening between different cities then you are required to surrender the existing TAN and apply for a fresh TAN.
- In case, I lose my TAN allotment number, how can I prove of having TAN?
A printout from the website of the Income Tax Department of the web page showing the details of TAN can be helpful in proving that you can TAN.
- Can I quote PAN in place of TAN?
No, you can never quote PAN in place of TAN under any circumstances as both serve different purposes.
- In case of duplicate TAN being obtained, which TAN should be used?
The original TAN should be used in case a duplicate TAN is being obtained.