Allotted by the IT department, TAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric identifier for individuals or entities required for tax deduction. When filing for tax deducted at source (TDS) or tax collected at source (TCS), quoting TAN is a pre-requisite. TAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric identifier for individuals or entities that deduct or collect tax at source.
Why is TAN required?
Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) is required primarily for entities responsible for deducting or collecting tax on payments made under the Income Tax Act, 1961. It serves as a unique identification number issued by the Income Tax Department to monitor tax transactions and ensure compliance. TAN is necessary for entities like businesses, employers, and contractors who deduct TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) or collect TCS (Tax Collected at Source). It helps the government track tax payments accurately, prevent tax evasion, and ensure that the correct amount of tax is deducted and deposited to the government treasury.
Who needs to apply for TAN?
Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) is required by entities and individuals who are mandated to deduct or collect tax at source under the Income Tax Act, 1961. This includes employers making salary payments, businesses paying rent, interest, or professional fees exceeding specified limits, contractors involved in contracts where TDS applies, government agencies, banking companies, and other entities specified by the Income Tax Department. TAN ensures compliance with TDS regulations, and applicants must file Form 49B to obtain TAN from the relevant Assessing Officer. It is essential for proper tax administration and ensures that taxes are deducted at the source as required by law.
Types of TAN applications
TAN applications are of two types – application for allotment and application for change or correction.
- Application for allotment of new TAN:
The application can be made online on the TIN-NSDL website or downloaded to submit offline. It asks for details like name, address, contact number, nationality, PAN, existing TAN etc. Applicants need to pay a TAN application processing fee of Rs. 65 (Rs. 55 as application charge + 18% GST). - Application for change or correction in TAN data for allotted TAN:
If allotted, the change or correction form requires details like the 10-digit TAN, deductor category, name, address, nationality, PAN. It also has rows to mention the changes/ corrections required. Applicants need to prove allotment of TAN by submitting a TAN allotment letter issued by the IT department or a printout of the TAN details. The fee charged for a correction application is Rs. 63 (plus service tax, as applicable).
Additional Read: How to apply for a PAN card online
What are the documents required for a TAN application?
Any documents need not to accompany the TAN allotment application. However, if the online mode is chosen, the acknowledgement generated on submission of the form needs to be downloaded, signed, and forwarded to national securities depository limited (NSDL) by post.
If you want to track the status of your TAN application, you can use the 14-digit unique acknowledgement number. You can contact the TAN call centre (020-27218080) or send an SMS (NSDLTAN) to 57575 to track the status of TAN application.
Additional Read: Difference between TAN, PAN, and TIN
Where can you get form 49B?
To get form 49B, you must follow these steps:
- Download it from the Income Tax Department website for free.
- Collect it from a TIN facilitation centre.
- Print or get it photocopied legibly and exactly in the format prescribed by the Income Tax Department.
Tips for filling out Form 49B
When applying for TAN through Form 49B, keep the following guidelines in mind to ensure a smooth application process:
- The form must be completed entirely without leaving any fields blank or sections incomplete.
- It should be filled in English, using capital letters only.
- The applicant must provide a valid Indian address, addresses located outside India are not accepted.
- The person responsible for deducting or collecting tax should mention their official designation clearly.
- Information such as the district, area, and area code must be entered by the tax deductor or collector. If these details are not readily available, assistance can be obtained from the local income tax office.
- The form also requires details of the assessing officer, which must be furnished by the deductor or collector. This information can also be confirmed through the income tax department if unknown.
Following these points ensures your Form 49B is correctly filled and helps avoid unnecessary delays in the TAN application process.
How to apply for TAN?
An application for allotment of TAN may be made either online or offline. A written set of guidelines are available to make this process easier for the applicants.
1. Online application
- Visit NSDL website: Go to the NSDL-TIN website dedicated for TAN applications.
- Select application type: Choose the appropriate application type based on whether you are applying as an individual or an organization.
- Fill Form 49B: Complete Form 49B with accurate details such as name, address, contact information, and TDS-related details.
- Submit supporting documents: Attach necessary documents like proof of identity and address as per the guidelines provided.
- Pay fee: Pay the application fee online through the portal.
2. Offline application
- If an applicant chooses the offline mode, they should visit the nearest TIN facilitation centre (TIN-FC) and submit the application in form 49B in duplicate. The addresses of TIN-FC are given on the TIN-NSDL website.
Tan application processing fee
The processing fee for a TAN application is Rs. 77 (which includes an application charge of Rs. 65 and 18% GST). Please note that this fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. Payment can be made via demand draft or cheque, drawn in favour of NSDL-TIN.
For online payments, only authorised individuals are allowed to make the payment, depending on the applicant category, as outlined below:
Category of Applicant |
Authorised Person for Payment (Credit/Debit Card or Net Banking) |
Company / Branch / Division of a company |
Any director of the company |
Individual (Sole Proprietorship) / Branch of an individual-owned business |
Self |
Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) |
Karta |
Firm / Branch of a firm |
Any partner of the firm |
Association of Persons / Body of Individuals / Trusts / Artificial Juridical Persons |
Authorised signatory as per Section 140 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 |
Once Form 49B is submitted, the income tax department will review the provided information. If all details are found to be accurate, NSDL will dispatch the TAN to the applicant's address mentioned in the form. For online applications, TAN details may also be sent via email.
How to pay the TAN application correction fee?
When paying the TAN application or correction fee, here is what you need to do:
- A demand draft must be made in favour of 'TIN-NSDL' and payable at Mumbai. The applicant needs to mention their name along with the unique 14-digit acknowledgement number on the reverse side of the demand draft.
- Credit card
- Debit card
- Net banking
If an applicant chooses to pay the fee by credit/ debit card, they will have to bear an additional charge of up to 2% (plus applicable taxes) of the application fee. If you choose net banking as a payment gateway, an additional amount of (Rs. 4 + GST) will be charged.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to apply for a new TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) if you relocate to a different city within the same state. However, if you move to a different state, you must apply for a new TAN as it is issued based on state-wise jurisdiction.
No, you cannot use your PAN (Permanent Account Number) in place of TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) when filing TDS (Tax Deducted at Source). TAN is specifically issued for TDS purposes, whereas PAN serves as a unique identifier for various financial transactions and income tax-related activities.
If a duplicate TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) has been allotted, it is essential to surrender the additional TAN immediately to the Income Tax Department's TAN Unit. This can be done by submitting a letter to the TAN Unit, explaining the situation and providing details of the original TAN that should be retained.
TAN stands for Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number. TAN is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric identifier issued to individuals or businesses who are required to deduct or collect taxes at source on behalf of the government. TAN is used to track and monitor tax payments made by taxpayers.
Yes, you can apply for TAN number online by visiting the NSDL or UTIITSL website, where you can submit your application and make the payment online. You can also track the status of your application online and receive your TAN number via email.