TAN
- Ankit Jain
- Mar 27
- 5 min read

What is TAN Registration?
TAN registration refers to the process of obtaining a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN), which is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India. This number is mandatory for individuals or entities responsible for deducting or collecting tax at source (TDS/TCS). The TAN must be quoted in all TDS returns, payment challans, and certificates related to tax deductions. Failure to obtain a TAN can result in penalties under Section 272BB of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
How Can I Apply for a TAN Number?
You can apply for a TAN number through two primary methods: online and offline. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both processes:
Online Application Process
1. Visit the NSDL TIN Website: Go to NSDL TIN.
2. Select ‘Online Application for TAN (Form 49B): Click on the option to apply online.
3. Fill Out Form 49B: Enter all required details accurately in the application form.
4. Payment of Processing Fee: Make the payment for the TAN processing fee using available online options.
5. Receive Acknowledgment: After successful submission, you will receive an acknowledgment with a unique 14-digit acknowledgment number.
6. Send Signed Acknowledgment: Print and sign the acknowledgment receipt and send it to the NSDL office within 15 days.
Offline Application Process
1. Download Form 49B: Obtain Form 49B from the NSDL website or any TIN-Facilitation Center (TIN-FC).
2. Fill Out the Form: Complete all mandatory fields in BLOCK LETTERS.
3. Submit Form at TIN-FC: Submit the filled form along with payment at any nearest TIN-FC.
4. No Supporting Documents Required: There is no need to submit supporting documents when applying offline.
What is the Fee for TAN Registration?
The fee for processing a TAN application is ₹77 (₹65 as application charge plus ₹12 as Goods and Services Tax). This fee is non-refundable if your application is rejected. Payment can be made via demand draft, cheque, or online payment methods available on the NSDL portal.
The above steps outline how to register for a TAN number effectively while ensuring compliance with Indian tax regulations.
Who Needs a TAN Number?
Any person or entity that is required to deduct tax at source (TDS) must obtain a TAN number.
This includes:
Employers who deduct TDS from salaries.
Businesses that deduct TDS on payments made to contractors, professionals, etc.
Banks and financial institutions that collect tax on interest payments.
How Long Does it Take to Get a TAN Number?
Typically, it takes about 7 working days to receive your TAN number after successful application submission.
However, this duration may vary depending on processing times at different centers and whether all submitted information is correct and complete.
What Should I Do If I Lose My TAN Number?
If you lose your TAN number, you can retrieve it by checking your previous TDS returns or certificates issued earlier that contain your TAN details, or you can contact the Income Tax Department for assistance in retrieving it using your PAN information.
It’s advisable to keep records safely as losing this information can complicate tax filing processes.
How to Apply for a TAN Number: Step by Step Guide
Applying for a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) is essential for individuals or entities responsible for deducting or collecting taxes at the source in India. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to apply for a TAN number.
Step 1: Visit the Official Website
Go to the official NSDL TIN website dedicated to TAN applications. The URL is https://www.tin-nsdl.com.
Step 2: Select Online Application for TAN
On the homepage, look for the option labeled “Online Application for TAN (Form 49B)” and click on it. This will direct you to the application form.
Step 3: Read Guidelines
Before filling out the form, read all instructions and guidelines provided on the page carefully. This ensures that you understand what information is required.
Step 4: Choose Category of Deductor
Select the appropriate category of deductor from the drop-down menu. Categories may include individual, company, firm, etc.
Step 5: Fill Out Form 49B
Complete Form 49B with accurate details:
Name: Enter your full name as per your identity documents.
Address: Provide your complete address where tax deductions will occur.
Contact Information: Include your mobile number and email address.
PAN: If applicable, enter your Permanent Account Number (PAN).
Existing TAN: If you have an old TAN, mention it here.
Ensure that all mandatory fields marked with an asterisk (*) are filled correctly.
Step 6: Review Your Information
After filling in all details, review them thoroughly to ensure there are no errors or omissions. Correct any mistakes before proceeding.
Step 7: Submit the Application
Once you have confirmed that all information is accurate, click on the “Submit” button.
Step 8: Payment of Processing Fee
You will be prompted to make a payment of ₹77 (₹65 application charge + ₹12 GST). Payment can be made through various methods:
Credit/Debit Card
Net Banking
Demand Draft/Cheque (if applying offline)
If paying online, follow the instructions provided on-screen to complete this step.
Step 9: Acknowledgment Receipt
After successful submission and payment, an acknowledgment receipt will be generated with a unique 14-digit acknowledgment number. Print this receipt and keep it safe as it will be needed later.
Step 10: Send Signed Acknowledgment (if applicable)
If you applied online without using a Digital Signature Certificate (DSC), sign the acknowledgment receipt and send it along with any required documents to:
Make sure to superscribe the envelope with “APPLICATION FOR TAN - Acknowledgment Number.”
Step 11: Wait for TAN Allotment
Typically, it takes about 7-15 working days to receive your TAN allotment after submitting your application. You can track its status using your acknowledgment number on the NSDL website.
Conclusion
By following these steps diligently, you can successfully apply for a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) in India. Ensure that you provide accurate information throughout the process to avoid delays or rejections in your application.
To summarize: Visit NSDL website > Select Online Application > Read Guidelines > Choose Category > Fill Form 49B > Review Information > Submit Application > Pay Processing Fee > Get Acknowledgment Receipt > Send Signed Acknowledgment if needed > Wait for TAN Allotment.
Documents Required for a TAN Application
While applying for a new TAN, applicants are not required to submit any documents. The only thing they need to submit is the signed acknowledgement slip if they apply for a new TAN through online mode.
What Happens If I Don’t Obtain a TAN Number When Required?
Failing to obtain a TAN when required can lead to penalties imposed by the Income Tax Department under Section 272BB of the Income Tax Act, which may include fines up to ₹10,000 per instance of non-compliance.
Additionally, not having a valid TAN could hinder compliance with tax regulations and affect business operations negatively.
Comments