How to Apply for TAN? Acknowledgement, Document and Payment Details

TAN stands for Tax Deduction/Collection Account Number. It concerns persons who are required to deduct or collect tax at source under the income tax regime. There are two methods to apply for TAN, i.e., either online or offline. The process has been discussed in detail below.

How to Apply for TAN?

Find the step-by-step process below:  

Offline Mode

These steps will enable you to apply for TAN offline:

• Step 1: Obtain a TAN application form from the TIN Facilitation centres or the TIN website. 
• Step 2: Make sure to write in English language (block letters) to fill out your form.
• Step 3: Fill up all its required columns and provide your Indian address under location details. 
• Step 4: Finally, sign this form and submit it to your nearest TIN FC. (For those who choose to provide a left-hand thumb impression must get their form attested by a Notary Public/ Gazetted Officer/ Magistrate under stamp or official seal area)
• Step 5: Refer to the instructions present in this form and pay the required processing fee to complete application registration. 

Online Mode

Using this method, you can apply for TAN online:

• Step 1: Visit the official NSDL (National-Securities-Depository-Limited) site to proceed.
• Step 2: Once its window loads, click on the ‘Online Application for TAN (Form 49B)’.
• Step 3: You will find a drop-down list mentioning different categories of deductors below the ‘Apply for New TAN’ option. Select the appropriate one.
• Step 4: Click on the ‘Select Button’ and form 49B will appear on your screen.
• Step 5: Fill out the correct data in all empty columns (marked with *).
• Step 6: If you miss meeting any format level validations, the page will respond with an ‘error’ when submitted.
• Step 7: Make the necessary changes and resubmit your form. However, if there is no mistake in your format, a confirmation window will appear on your screen upon submission. 
• Step 8: Check if your data is correct or choose the ‘edit’ option to make changes; otherwise, select the ‘confirm’ button.
• Step 9: Complete your application process by making the required payment. This site will accept your form and generate an acknowledgement slip.

Also Read: NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) – Benefits & Services

Online Mode Using Digital Signature

If you want to apply for TAN online using a digital signature, follow this procedure:

• Step 1: The first two steps are the same. So, once the TAN module of NSDL loads, look for the ‘Apply for New TAN (for DSC Users)’ option.
• Step 2: Select the category of deductors and click on its ‘select’ button.
• Step 3: A new tab containing the TAN application form will open up. Fill in the required columns.
• Step 4: Check the DSC of the authorised signatory column and upload a digital signature in the form.
• Step 5: Using this method, you are only eligible to pay online.
• Step 6: This site will generate an acknowledgement slip after successful payment. Also, here you do not need to upload any supporting documents.

Also Read: Self Assessment Tax : How to Pay Online & Calculation

What Process to Follow After the Generation of Acknowledgement Receipt?

Once this site accepts your application, it shows an acknowledgement window which consists of:

• A unique 14-digit acknowledgement number
• Applicant’s name and contact information
• Payment details
• Status of the applicant
• Space for signature

Make sure to follow this process after the generation of your acknowledgement receipt:

• Step 1: Save and print this receipt.
• Step 2: Sign in the space provided in this acknowledgement slip.
• Step 3: Send this duly signed document to the NSDL (National Security Depository Limited) centre at its official address. 

(Address: NSDL – e-Governance Infrastructure Ltd., fifth floor, Mantri Sterling, Survey No. 997/8, Plot No. 341, Model Colony, Beside Deep Bungalow Chowk, Pune, Maharashtra 411016.)

Also Read: NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited) – Benefits & Services

What Are the Documents Required to Apply for TAN?

If you apply for TAN online, you must provide the acknowledgement receipt to NSDL by post as an important supporting document to complete this application process. 

What is the Processing Fee for TAN Application?

There are various modes available to pay processing fees. It can be paid via cheque, demand draft, net banking, debit or credit card, or cash (for offline). The amount you need to pay as a processing fee to submit a TAN application to NSDL is Rs 65 (including GST). Remember, this is a non-refundable fee, so you will not get it even if your application gets rejected. 

After payment, NSDL verifies your form and accepts it if the details are correct. Next, on passing your request, the officials send your TAN details to the official address mentioned in the form or via email in case it was an online application. 

How to Track the Status of the TAN Application?

Income Tax Department also allows you to check your TAN application status by accessing the NSDL TIN site. The steps are as follows:

• Step 1: Go to the site and search for the track application status option. 
• Step 2: The site will ask you to provide the 14-digit number mentioned in your acknowledgement receipt and select the category of application you need to check the status. Feed to proceed.
• Step 3: Enter the captcha and click the ‘submit’ button to find your status.

Know that you can also avail of this facility at the official site of the Income Tax Department. However, to find the status offline, you can contact the TAN call centre by dialling (020-27218080) or messaging on 57575. 

Also Read: Differences between Form 16 and Form 16A: An Overview

What Important Points to Keep in Mind While Filling a TAN Application?

Be mindful of the following pointers while filling TAN application form to minimise your chances of rejection:

• Fill in all the columns of the form. There should be no blanks or pending sections when submitting it.
• List down your designation in the form mandatorily.
• The address you provide in the form must be in India.
• The form must contain details of the district, area, code and similar information. However, if you are not aware of this then the income tax office will assist you to find out the same. 
• As a collector or deductor of the tax, you might have to furnish details of the assessing officer to complete your application. So, if you do not have it, get it from the income tax office. 

Final Word

TAN registration is an important procedure that every assessee needs to follow to deduct/collect tax at source while carrying transactions. So, download the application form 49B and carry out the above-mentioned process to apply for TAN online, offline or using a digital signature. 

Frequently Asked Questions