How to know your TAN?

What is TAN?

The full form of TAN is Tax Deduction or Collection Account Number. As per section 203A, this 10 digit alphanumeric number is required to be quoted when you become liable to either Deduct or Collect tax (i.e. liable to deduct TDS or collect TCS), make payment through challan or file TDS returns.

What is the TAN number format?

TAN is a 10 digit alphanumeric number. Structure of TAN is as follows: ABC D 12345 X. So first 4 characters are alphabets followed by 5 digits and then 1 alphabet in the end. First 3 alphabets of TAN no. represent the city where TAN has been allotted, 4th character of the TAN no. represent the initial letter of the name of a person. All 5 digits and the last alphabet are automated characters generated by the system.

What is the significance of obtaining a TAN number?

As per the tax laws of our country a person deducting TDS is required to deposit it into the treasury within specified period along with a return specifying the details as required by the government. Therefore, TAN acts as a unique identification number in all correspondence with the department. This also enables the government to credit the tax receipt and give credit to the deductee (person whose TDS was deducted). This credit is reflected in the 26AS i.e. the tax credit statement.

How to know your TAN Number online?

TAN does not come in the same physical form as a PAN . Consequently, only an allotment letter is allotted as a proof of TAN. So, it is not always feasible for an individual to keep it in handy and we also don’t have computer memory to remember such complicated digits.
Therefore, you can find a TAN number anytime from anywhere given you have a secure internet connection. Follow these simple steps to check your TAN number online.

• Visit the Income Tax eFiling portal. Here on the left-hand side, under Quick Links, click on the option “Know Your TAN | AO”.

  

• After clicking, You will be redirected to the screen as shown below. Here enter required details like:
  1. TAN Search: Select either TAN/ Name
  2. Category of Deductor: Select the category from the drop-down menu.
  3. State: Select the state from the drop-down
  4. TAN/ Name: Enter the Name / TAN depending upon the option you have chosen above. (If you search Name by selecting TAN based then enter TAN and if you select Name-based search then enter the name.)
  5. Mobile No. - Enter the Mobile Number.

  After filling the details, you have to click on the “Continue“ button.

• As soon as you click on “Continue“ button above, an OTP will be sent to your mobile number. Enter that OTP in the box and click on the “Validate” button.
• Once you validate the OTP, TAN details will be shown in the same manner as in the screen given below.
  Now you have a basic idea about TAN but besides it, there are many other things in this context. So, to address the most basic layman concerns, we have compiled a well-drafted FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions).

What are the penalties for not quoting TAN on TDS returns?

There are penalties in income tax act for both non-mentioning the TAN or mentioning incorrect TAN. Penalty of Rs. 10,000 is imposable in case one does not mention TAN or mention incorrect TAN no. in TDS return.

What is duplicate TAN?

When a person who already holds a valid TAN obtaines an additional one it is known as duplicate TAN. Having more than one TAN except for different branches or division of an organisation is illegal.

Conclusion

Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number is required to be possessed mandatorily by all the tax deductors. Follow the process explained above and know your TAN in the easiest and the fastest way.
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