The Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number or TAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Income Tax Department of India. The number is required by individuals or entities responsible for deducting or collecting tax at source. Here’s a guide on how to easily download a TAN certificate online.
Understanding TAN
- The Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number is required by individuals and organisations responsible for TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) or TCS (Tax Collected at Source).
- As per Section 203A of the Income Tax Act, it is mandatory to quote TAN in TDS/TCS returns, challans, and certificates.
- Like similar tax concepts, TAN follows a specific format, which can visually look like this - ‘ABCD12345E’. The letters and digits indicate your jurisdiction and name.
- TAN ensures that all tax deducted at source is correctly reported and tracked. Failing to apply or quote TAN can result in a penalty of ₹10,000.
Before we check how to download the TAN number certificate, let’s see how to apply for it first.
You can apply for TAN either online through the NSDL portal or offline through a TIN facilitation centre.
Online Application Process:
1. Visit the NSDL TAN application portal.
2. Click on ‘Online Application for TAN (Form 49B)’.
3. Choose ‘Apply for new TAN’ and select the category of the deductor.
4. Fill out the form with the correct details. Mandatory fields are marked with an asterisk (*).
5. Submit the form and make the payment online using debit/credit card, net banking, or demand draft.
You will receive a 14-digit acknowledgement number. Save and print it. Send the printed acknowledgement to the Protean eGov Technologies Ltd. office in Pune. Remember to write ‘Application for TAN - Acknowledgement Number’ on the envelope you send.
You can send it to this address:
Protean eGov Technologies Limited,
4th floor, Sapphire Chambers,
Baner Road, Baner
Pune - 411015
Offline Application Process:
1. Visit a TIN Facilitation Centre near you and ask for Form 49B.
2. Fill out the form and submit it with the required fee.
3. Opt for Form INC-7 if your business is not registered under the Companies Act.
Once your application is processed, your TAN will be issued soon.
Now that you know what TAN is and how to apply for it, let’s understand how to download a TAN certificate online.
Steps to Download TAN Online
Following are the steps to follow when learning how to download the TAN certificate:
Step 1. Visit the NSDL TIN website.
Step 2. Under the TAN section, click on ‘TAN – New/Change Request’.
Step 3. Enter your Acknowledgement Number received during the application.
Step 4. Fill in the captcha and click ‘Submit’.
Step 5. Your TAN status will appear on the screen.
Step 6. Look for the option ‘Click here to download your TAN Allotment Letter’.
Step 7. Click the link to download and save your certificate in PDF format.
Now you know exactly how to download the TAN certificate for any legal or tax-related use.
Having a TAN is mandatory if you are responsible for deducting or collecting tax at source. Now that you know how to download the TAN certificate online, you can access it whenever needed for IT returns or compliance. Just like it is important to be aware of your income tax slab and what ITR is right for you, it is crucial to quote TAN while filing your itr returns to avoid penalties.