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Dear All
 
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
Ø      all TDS/TCS/Annual Information Returns,
Ø      payment challans and
Ø      certificates 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.