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Tax
28th Nov 2025
TAN - Know Your TAN - How to Download TAN Online?
What is TAN?
What is the Relevance of TAN?
Who Should Apply for TAN?
TAN Number Meaning and Structure
Importance of TAN Number
How to Get a TAN Number?
TAN Application Online – Steps:
Steps to Apply for TAN Online – Using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Steps to Apply for TAN Offline
What Documents are Required to be Submitted Along with a TAN Application?
What are the Modes Available for Payment of Fees?
Let Us Tell You How You Can Download TAN Online
What is TAN?
What is TAN?
What is TAN? TAN stands for Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number, a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is mandatory for any person or business responsible for Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) or Tax Collection at Source (TCS) above the specified limits. Without a valid TAN number, such entities cannot legally deduct or collect taxes at the source.
What is the Relevance of TAN?
What is the Relevance of TAN?
Individuals or businesses are expected to deduct or collect tax at source if it exceeds the specified limit. This can include tax deductions from employee salaries, interest received on deposits, or dividends from shares. This is where the TAN number is relevant—it must be quoted in all such transactions to ensure compliance. Without it, you cannot process TDS or TCS payments.
Who Should Apply for TAN?
Who Should Apply for TAN?
If you are wondering who should apply for TAN, the rule is simple: any person or entity responsible for TDS or TCS must complete TAN registration. It is a mandatory mention in all TDS/TCS-related transactions, including e-TDS/TCS returns, certificates, and payment challans.
TAN Number Meaning and Structure
TAN Number Meaning and Structure
The TAN number meaning is to identify the deductor or collector of tax at source. This 10-digit alphanumeric number is issued based on the TAN application submitted to the Income Tax Department. Once issued, it must be quoted in all TDS/TCS-related correspondence.
The TAN number structure is as follows:
- First 3 alphabets: State code where the TAN holder operates
- 4th alphabet: First letter of the TAN holder’s name
- Next 5 digits: Unique number assigned to the individual or business
- Last alphabet: System-generated identification letter
Importance of TAN Number
Importance of TAN Number
As per Section 203A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, obtaining TAN registration online or offline is mandatory for anyone deducting or collecting tax at source. The TAN number must be quoted in all TDS/TCS returns, challans, and certificates. Failure to do so can result in a penalty of ₹10,000.
How to Get a TAN Number?
How to Get a TAN Number?
If you know what is TAN and need one, you can apply either online or offline.
TAN Application Online – Steps:
TAN Application Online – Steps:
- Visit the NSDL website: https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/tan/index.html
- Select Online Application for TAN (Form 49B)
- Choose the Category of Deductor from the drop-down list
- Fill in all required details accurately
- Pay the ₹77 processing fee via Demand Draft, cheque, Net Banking, or credit/debit card
- For DD/Cheque, make it payable to “Protean – TIN” and write the applicant’s name and acknowledgement number at the back
- Sign the acknowledgement receipt (or place a left-hand thumb impression attested by a Magistrate, Notary, or Gazetted Officer)
- Send the acknowledgement to:
Protean eGov Technologies Limited
4th Floor, Sapphire Chambers
Baner Road, Baner
Pune – 411045
Steps to Apply for TAN Online – Using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
Steps to Apply for TAN Online – Using Digital Signature Certificate (DSC)
You can also apply for TAN registration online using your Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). This is a convenient way to complete your TAN application process without having to send a physical acknowledgement to NSDL.
- Visit the NSDL site at https://tin.tin.nsdl.com/tan/index.html
- Select Online Application for TAN (Form 49B)
- Ensure all pre-requisites to apply for DSC are fulfilled, and the utility is already installed on your computer
- Select Category of Deductor from the drop-down menu
- Fill all the mandatory details accurately
- Insert your DSC
- Use the Authorised Signatory drop-down menu
- Pay the processing fees through Net Banking
- Once payment is made, you will receive the acknowledgement number
- Since it’s a DSC-based application, you will not be required to send the signed receipt to NSDL
Steps to Apply for TAN Offline
Steps to Apply for TAN Offline
If you want to apply for a TAN number offline, follow the below steps:
- Visit https://www.protean-tinpan.com/downloads/tan/tan-downloads.html and download Form 49B, or visit one of the TIN Facilitation Centres (TIN FC) to collect the form
- Fill the form in block letters only, preferably in English, with black ink
- The applicant must have an Indian address
- Submit the duly signed Form 49B at the nearest TIN FC
- You can also place your left thumb impression — if so, it should be attested by a Magistrate, a Notary, or a Gazetted Officer with their official seal and stamp
- There is no need to send any supporting documents with the application form
- Pay the processing fees in cash at the counter
What Documents are Required to be Submitted Along with a TAN Application?
What Documents are Required to be Submitted Along with a TAN Application?
When applying for TAN number registration:
- No documents need to be submitted with your TAN application
- If applying online without DSC, send the acknowledgement receipt to NSDL
- The tax deduction and collection account number application acknowledgement number should be mentioned on the envelope
What are the Modes Available for Payment of Fees?
What are the Modes Available for Payment of Fees?
You can pay TAN application fees through:
- Demand Draft in favour of 'Protean - TIN'
- Cheque in favour of 'Protean - TIN'
- Net Banking
- Cash at the TIN FC counter (for offline applications)
Let Us Tell You How You Can Download TAN Online
Let Us Tell You How You Can Download TAN Online
If you are wondering how to find TAN number details, follow these steps:
- Visit the e-Filing Portal https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/
- On the left side, under Quick Links, click ‘Know TAN Details’
- Enter the required details for TAN search:
- Category of deductor
- Name of the deductor
- State
- Registered mobile number
- Click Continue
- Receive the one-time password on your mobile number
- Verify the password and click Validate
- TAN details will be displayed on the next screen
- You can also follow the same process to find the TAN of the deductor online
- TAN certificate download can also be done online
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, you will need to pay Rs 77 as a processing fee when you are applying for a TAN. This is inclusive of Goods & Service Tax.
- The Demand Draft should be in favour of Protean – TIN.
- Use the TAN that is used frequently and regularly.
- The other TAN should be surrendered and cancelled using the ‘Form for Changes or Correction in TAN’.