TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) is a 10-digit alphanumeric number issued by the Income Tax Department of India under Section 203A of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It is mandatory for every person or entity who is responsible for deducting tax at source (TDS) or collecting tax at source (TCS). The TAN must be quoted in all TDS/TCS returns, challans, certificates and other prescribed documents. Failure to obtain TAN or quote it correctly attracts a penalty. TAN has lifetime validity and does not require renewal. At Consult Zone India, we provide complete end-to-end assistance for TAN registration as well as ongoing TDS return filing and compliance.
TAN stands for Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number. It is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code allotted by the Income Tax Department to all persons who are required to deduct or collect tax at source.
| Aspect | PAN | TAN |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Permanent Account Number | Tax Deduction & Collection Account Number |
| Purpose | Identifies a taxpayer for all tax matters | Identifies a person deducting/collecting tax at source |
| Format | 10 characters (e.g. ABCDE1234F) | 10 characters (e.g. MUMA12345B) |
| Used By | Every taxpayer | Only TDS/TCS deductors and collectors |
| Quoted In | Income tax returns, financial transactions | TDS/TCS returns, challans and certificates |
Note: TAN application (Form 49B) is largely based on declared details; physical documents are minimal. For your specific requirement, connect with our executive.
Q1. Who is required to obtain TAN?
Every person responsible for deducting tax at source (TDS) or collecting tax at source (TCS) must obtain a TAN. For your specific case, connect with our executive.
Q2. Is TAN the same as PAN?
No. PAN identifies a taxpayer, whereas TAN identifies a person who deducts or collects tax at source. Both are separate 10-character codes issued by the Income Tax Department.
Q3. What is the validity of TAN?
TAN has lifetime validity and does not require renewal.
Q4. How long does it take to get a TAN?
After successful application, TAN is generally allotted within 7–15 working days.
Q5. What happens if I don't obtain TAN?
Failure to apply for TAN or quote it where required attracts a penalty of Rs. 10,000 under the Income Tax Act.
Q6. Can one entity have multiple TANs?
An entity should not hold more than one TAN. However, different branches/divisions may apply for separate TANs. Duplicate TANs must be surrendered.
Q7. Do I need to file returns after getting TAN?
Yes, TDS deductors must file quarterly TDS returns and issue TDS certificates. We can handle your complete TDS compliance — for details, connect with our executive.
Contact us today for fast and hassle-free TAN registration and TDS compliance services!
Note:
Get a free, no-obligation consultation on WhatsApp
Your details are safe & we usually reply within minutes.