What is TAN?
TAN is a 10-digit unique number, short for Tax Deduction or Collection Account Number. Provided by the Income Tax Department of India, TAN is a must for individuals responsible for deducting or collecting taxes at source. The unique design of TAN has four alphabets at the start, followed by five numbers and again an alphabet at the end, for, e.g., PLEP09015T².
As mentioned, TAN comes in handy for deductions, and by failing to obtain and quoting incorrect TAN in your fillings, you may attract a hefty fine of ₹10,000 according to section 272BB(1) and 272BB(1A) respectively of the Income Tax Act, 1961³.
How to download your TAN?
You may simply get your TAN details using the TAN number or name. However, if you're unable to access any of these, or you've forgotten your TAN, you can also retrieve it with just a few simple steps. Here is how to download TAN.²
Consider visiting the official website of income tax filing using the link www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in
Now select ‘know your tan’.
Once you choose TAN search, you'll be able to find ‘TAN’ or ‘Name’ below the same. You'll need to choose any of these options.
Now, if you choose ‘Name’, then you'll be required to fill in the ‘category of the deductor’, state the name of the deductor and registered mobile number, and press continue.
Alternatively, if you choose ‘TAN’, then you're supposed to fill in the ‘category of the deductor’, state the TAN of the deductor, registered mobile number, and press continue.
Once you press continue, you'll receive an OTP on your registered phone number.
Now, fill in the OTP and click on ‘validate’ to complete the process. You'll be able to get all your TAN-related details now.
This is how you can easily understand “how to download tan number”.
How do you apply for TAN online and offline?
Now that you know the importance of TAN, you might want to apply for your TAN number. Wondering how to do it? Well, here is a step-by-step guide to help you apply for TAN both online and offline mode.
How to apply for TAN online?²
Consider logging in to the official website of NSDL TAN.
Now, you can find the ‘online application for TAN (form 49B)’ option on the screen. Consider clicking on the same.
Choose ‘apply for new TAN’ and select the category of deductors.
Once you do this, your TAN application form will be opened. Proceed by filling out all the details in the form correctly. Make sure to cross-check, and don't forget to miss the fields with * mark.
You may be able to see the confirmation screen if you have filled out all your details correctly. In case of any mistakes, you may choose the ‘edit’ option and make the necessary changes.
Click ‘confirm’ and make the required payment to complete the process. Currently, you need to pay ₹55/- + GST as your application fee. However, this may change from time to time.¹
You'll receive an acknowledgement slip that can be used to track the status of your TAN application.
How to apply for TAN offline?²
Consider starting by visiting your nearest TIN or Taxpayer Identification Number facilitation centres. You'll be able to get your Form 49B from there, or you can simply download it from the official income tax website.
Make sure to correctly fill in all the details in your form and submit it to your nearest TIN centre. Further, you'll also need to submit your application fee to complete the process.
How do you download your TAN allotment or certificate?²
Here is a detailed guide on how to download your TAN certificate.
Consider visiting the official website of NSDL TIN.
Now, based on your requirement, choose the ‘application status’.
Now, fill in the acknowledgement number that you might have received while filling out your online application for TAN.
Fill in the captcha and submit.
You may now see your TAN application status. Now, choose the ‘click here to download your TAN allotment letter' option to get your TAN allotment certificate.
Summing up
From filing tax returns to TCS payments and other challenges, having a TAN can help you in more ways than one. Not submitting your TAN can not only make these fillings look like a hassle, but you might also have to pay penalty of up to ₹10,000. Therefore, to make sure you do not pay such a hefty amount and do all your fillings easily, make sure to apply for TAN. You may use this guide for the TAN application to learn how to know your TAN number, download the TAN certificate, and learn your TAN-related details.
Sources:
https://incometaxindia.gov.in/Pages/faqs.aspx?k=FAQs+on+TAN#:~:text=Under%20Section%20203A%20of%20the,ITD)%20on%20all%20TDS%20statements.
https://cleartax.in/s/how-to-get-tan-number
https://dit-live.taxmann.com/tutorials/23.%20tan.pdf