Indialends, 24 May 2026

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Know your TAN

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1. What is the concept of TAN?

   
   

   Tax deduction and Collect Account number is the full form of TAN. It is a 10-digit alphanumeric number. It is required at the time of filing TDS returns under Section 203 A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. TAN is required by all those individuals who were responsible for deducting and collecting taxes.

   Under the provision of Sector 203A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, it is a mandate for each of the TAX deductor to mention the TAN number in the below documents

   • TDS Statements
   • TCS Statements
   • Annual Information Return
   • TDS/TCS Certificates
   • TDS/TCS payment Challan
   • Other prescribed documents

   Why TAN is essential?

   TAN is required for quoting while filing TDS/TCS/ Annual Information Returns, certificates and Payment Challans. In such cases, if 10 Digit number is not quoted, then return files would not be accepted by TIN Facilitation Center and even banks will also not accept the challans for TDS and TCS payments. It is must to mention that if an individual is required to have TAN and is not having TAN, then there is a penalty of Rs 10,000 on that individual.

   Structure of TAN Card

   
   
   • The structure of TAN Card which is a 10-digit alphanumeric code has been revised from the last few years. The structure is as follows:
   • The first four characters are letters and the next 5 characters are numerals and the last character in the number is again a letter.
   • The first three characters of the alphanumeric number highlight the jurisdiction code while the next character highlights the name of the deductee.
   • The next 5 characters symbolize a five-digit number and the last character of the number is an English alphabet.

   The process to ‘Search TAN’

   An applicant can know the TAN details either by providing the name or TAN. In case, an individual has forgotten the TAN, there are steps mentioned below that will help in retrieving the TAN:

   Step 1: Visit https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/

   Step 2: Click on ‘Know Your TAN’

   
   

   Step 3: Select ‘Name’ under the ‘TAN Search ‘option

   Step 4: Select ‘Category of Deductor’

   Step 5: Select ‘State’

   Step 6: Provide ‘Name’.

   Step 7: Provide the registered mobile number

   Step 8: Click on ‘Continue’

   Step 9: Insert the One Time Password (OTP) sent on the registered mobile number on the corresponding screen.

   Step 10: Details will be displayed on the corresponding screen.

   How a new user will register to know about TAN Details?

   To know about TAN details, a new user does not have to register on the Income Tax-e-filing website. If an individual still wishes to register himself or herself in availing benefits,  the process is as follows:

   Step 1

   Visit https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/

   Step 2

   Select ‘Register Yourself

   Step 3

   Next, select the user type in the corresponding screen and click on ‘Continue’

   Step 4

   Provide the details like PAN, name, date of birth and residential status

   Step 5

   Click on ‘Continue’

   Step 6

   Fill in the registration form and click on ‘Continue’. Next, follow the guidelines mentioned in the corresponding screens.

   Difference between PAN and TAN

   PAN	TAN
   It is the Permanent Account Number, must possessed by all individuals or entities to file his or her Income Tax Returns.	Tax Deduction and Collection number is required by those accesses who are liable to make deductions or collect TCS under the Income Tax Act.

   The process to know your TAN Jurisdiction building name:

   Step 1

   Log on to the website of https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/

   Step 2

   Make a selection of ‘Jurisdiction’ under the ‘Important Links’ tab

   Step 3

   Select the state, on doing so, a PDF file will be generated. TAN jurisdiction building names can be found on the list.