What is TAN? Ans. TAN or Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number is a 10 digit alpha numeric number required to be obtained by all persons who are responsible for deducting or collecting tax. It is compulsory to quote TAN in all TDS/TCS returns (including e-TDS/TCS return), TDS/TCS payment challans and TDS/TCS certificates.
Special Note: First 3 Alphabets of TAN is jurisdiction code 4th alphabet is initial of name of Company/Firm/Individual etc.
Why is it necessary to have TAN? Ans. The provisions of Section 203A of the Income-tax Act, 1961 require all persons who deduct or collect tax at source to apply for the allotment of TAN.
The section also makes it mandatory to quote TAN in
Øall TDS/TCS/Annual Information Returns,
Øpayment challans and
Øcertificates to be issued.
If TAN is not quoted, TDS/TCS returns will not be accepted by TIN-Faciliation Centres (TIN-FCs) and challans for TDS/TCS payments will not be accepted by banks.
Failure to apply for TAN or not quoting the same in the specified documents attracts a penalty of Rs. 10,000.
TAN number is provided to the deductor of TDS. While deducting & remitting TDS they will use it. Abbrevation is Temprovary Account Number.Not sure about the abbrevation.