How to get challan identification number?

A Challan Identification Number (CIN) is a unique 20-digit alphanumeric code assigned to every tax-related transaction in India. This identifier is generated once a tax payment is acknowledged by the authorised bank. CIN acts as a digital receipt, ensuring that your tax payment is correctly tracked and recorded.

Why is CIN important?

1. Payment Tracking: CIN helps taxpayers track their payments and ensure they are correctly credited to the government.
2. Verification: It serves as proof of payment, which is essential when filing tax returns or resolving discrepancies.
3. Error Prevention: CIN ensures accurate records, minimising the risk of errors in tax filing.

Where is CIN used?

CIN is indispensable for transactions like:

• Income Tax Payments
• Goods and Services Tax (GST) Payments
• Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) Payments

For example, if you are an employer depositing TDS on behalf of your employees, the CIN serves as your reference for verifying that the payment has been processed.

The CIN is typically printed on your tax challan or receipt after you make a payment. It is crucial to know where to locate it, as it serves as proof of your transaction.

How to locate CIN on a challan or tax form

Follow these steps to find your CIN:

1. Access your challan: Log in to the tax portal or retrieve the physical copy of your challan.
2. Look for the 20-digit code: The CIN appears as a 20-character alphanumeric code on the receipt issued by the bank.
3. Understand the format: CIN is structured as follows:
   • First 7 digits: Bank branch code
   • Next 8 digits: Date of payment in DDMMYYYY format
   • Last 5 digits: Unique transaction serial number

Example: A CIN might look like 1234567DDMMYYYY00001.

Pro Tip:

Always double-check the CIN on your challan to avoid errors when using it for verification or tracking.

If you do not have your CIN but have your Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN), you can still retrieve your challan details.

Step-by-step guide to locate CIN using TAN

1. Log in to the tax portal: Use your TAN credentials to access the system.
2. Go to the challan inquiry section: Navigate to the section dedicated to TDS or tax payments.
3. Input TAN and payment date: Enter your TAN along with the payment date range to fetch the relevant challans.
4. Retrieve CIN: The system will display a list of transactions, including the CIN.

Common Use Case:

Employers often use this method to retrieve CIN details for TDS payments made on behalf of employees.

It is normal to encounter different status messages when checking your CIN. Here is a quick breakdown: