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Individual taxpayers and corporations in India require various documents while filing income tax returns (ITRs). While the process itself can seem daunting, the various terms associated with the process can further complicate matters, especially for those filing income tax returns for the first time. The two most common terms that come up either while filing taxes, or while communicating with the Tax Department are TAN and TIN.
Key Takeaways
TAN is required for businesses/entities deducting or collecting taxes at the source.
TIN is assigned to businesses for VAT/GST transactions but is now mostly replaced by GSTIN.
The Income Tax Department issues TAN, while state tax departments handle TIN.
TAN is mandatory for TDS/TCS filings, whereas TIN is essential for businesses registered under indirect taxes.
Incorrect or missing TAN/TIN in tax filings can lead to penalties and non-compliance issues.
Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN)
The Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) is a unique ten-digit alphanumeric code assigned by the Income Tax Department to all entities that are responsible for collecting or deducting taxes. Furthermore, under section 203A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, in order to furnish the TDS details collected by the entity, such as corporations and offices that deduct taxes, a TAN is mandatory. Section 203A has also made it mandatory to quote TAN for documents including TDS and TCS statements, TDS and TCS certificates, and challans for payment of TDS and TCS, among others.
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), similar to TAN, is a unique eleven-character identification number that is given to Indian enterprises and organisations for which Value Added Tax (VAT) is applicable, such as e-commerce stores and product or service manufacturers. Quoting of TIN has been made mandatory for business enterprises while filing taxes, and applies to sales transactions that happen within a state, and those that happen between two or more states. The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) also makes it easier for entities to have all the VAT transactions in one centralised place. This also enables entities to see the amount of VAT collected, paid, or to be paid in the future.
Differences Between TAN And TIN
Both TAN and TIN are tax identification numbers. However, while the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is beneficial for both the state and the entity, the Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) is assigned to companies and financial institutions. TAN helps in keeping track of the collection and deduction of taxes that take place at the source.
Apart from that, here are some of the key differences between TAN and TIN:
Allocation Agency: The Income Tax Department of India allocates the Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN), while the Commercial Tax Department of the applicant’s state allocates the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).
Number Composition: TAN is a ten-digit alphanumeric number, which is assigned to entities that are responsible for collecting and deducting taxes. TIN, on the other hand, is an eleven-digit registration number assigned to business enterprises and companies, for whom VAT is applicable.
Purpose: TAN’s purpose is to streamline collection and deduction at the source. Meanwhile, TIN is used to track VAT-related activities in India.
Forms to be Filled While Applying: Individuals applying for TAN must fill Form 49B, while different states have different forms for entities applying for TIN.
Documents to be Submitted: While applying for TAN, individuals needn’t submit additional documents with the application form. However, while applying online, one has to submit a signed acknowledgment generated by the NSDL. For TIN, however, the documents required include identity and address proof, along with other documents which vary from state to state.
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How to Apply for TAN and TIN in India?
Applying for a TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) and a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) is essential for businesses and individuals involved in tax-related transactions. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each:
Applying for TAN:
1. Online Application:
Visit the official NSDL e-Governance website.
Select "Apply for TAN" and fill out Form 49B with relevant details.
Choose the correct category (e.g., company, partnership, individual).
Submit the form and make the required payment online.
2. Offline Application:
Obtain Form 49B from a TIN Facilitation Centre or download it online.
Fill in the required details and submit them along with the processing fee.
The application can be submitted at the nearest TIN facilitation centre.
3. Processing and Issuance:
Once submitted, an acknowledgement number is generated.
The Income Tax Department verifies the details, and the TAN is issued.
TAN is communicated via a physical letter and can also be checked online.
Applying for TIN:
TIN is required for businesses registered under VAT, CST, or GST to track tax-related transactions. The process varies by state but generally includes:
1. Online Registration:
Visit the respective state’s commercial tax department website.
Fill out the TIN registration form with business details.
Upload required documents (PAN, business address proof, ID proof, bank details).
2. Offline Registration:
Visit the local VAT/GST office and obtain the TIN application form.
Fill in the details and attach the necessary supporting documents.
Submit the form along with the applicable registration fee.
3. Verification & Issuance:
The tax department verifies the submitted details and documents.
A unique TIN number is issued upon successful verification.
Businesses must display their TIN in invoices and tax-related documents.
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Several government bodies oversee the issuance, compliance, and regulation of TAN and TIN in India. Each authority plays a specific role in ensuring smooth tax administration and compliance.
Income Tax Department (ITD): The Income Tax Department (ITD) is responsible for overseeing the issuance and compliance of TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number). It ensures that businesses deduct or collect tax at source and deposit it within the stipulated time. The department also monitors tax returns and audits entities that fail to comply with TDS and TCS regulations.
NSDL e-Governance (Protean eGov Technologies Limited): The NSDL e-Governance (now Protean eGov Technologies Limited) is an intermediary that manages the TAN application process. It facilitates online and offline TAN applications, provides a tracking mechanism, and assists businesses in making necessary corrections to their TAN details. The NSDL portal allows applicants to apply for TAN, check its status, and download essential tax-related documents.
Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN): The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) oversees the issuance and management of TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) under the GST system. Since the introduction of GST, TIN has been replaced by the GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number). GSTN ensures businesses are registered under GST, tracks their tax liabilities, and facilitates seamless compliance with indirect tax laws.
State Commercial Tax Departments: Before GST was implemented, State Commercial Tax Departments were responsible for issuing TIN under the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Central Sales Tax (CST) systems. While GST has largely replaced VAT and CST, some states still use TIN for specific transactions, such as petroleum products and liquor sales, which remain outside GST. These departments handle tax registrations, process VAT refunds, and ensure compliance with state-level tax laws.
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT): The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is the apex body that formulates policies related to TAN, TDS, and TCS regulations. It issues guidelines, monitors tax compliance, and ensures that businesses adhere to tax laws. CBDT plays a crucial role in tax administration by setting rules for tax collection at the source, determining penalties for non-compliance, and guiding the Income Tax Department in enforcement actions.
Each of these regulatory authorities plays a vital role in tax administration, ensuring businesses and individuals comply with TAN and TIN-related regulations effectively.
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between TAN and TIN is essential for businesses and individuals to understand India’s tax system. The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is for entities such as traders and manufacturers, for which Value Added Tax (VAT) is applicable. For these business enterprises and companies, quoting a TIN is mandatory while filing taxes.
The Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) is assigned to all the entities that are responsible for deducting or collecting taxes at the source. For example, companies that deduct TDS from employees’ salaries, or financial institutions that collect taxes on certain payments, are required to have a TAN before remitting these taxes to the government. TDS is usually applicable to salaries, commissions, and interests. When it comes to life insurance policies, TDS is usually deducted from the maturity amount.
Glossary
GSTIN: A unique identifier replacing TIN under GST for businesses registered under the tax system.
NSDL (National Securities Depository Limited): Now Protean eGov Technologies, it manages TAN applications and compliance.
CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes): The governing body overseeing tax policies, including TAN and TDS regulations.
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