Last updated: 29 July 2026
Quick Answer: To apply for a TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number), file Form 49B online on the Protean (NSDL) TIN portal or through the income tax e-filing portal at incometax.gov.in. Pay the processing fee of typically ₹65 plus applicable tax, submit the acknowledgement, and the number is usually allotted in 7 to 15 working days.
In a situation where a business is required to make salary payments, make rent payments, pay contractor fees and make payment of commissions which exceed specified limits, tax has to be deducted at source and paid to the government. Though the actual process of deduction of tax at source is easy, it is necessary to obtain tax deduction account number or TAN. The procedure for obtaining TAN is very simple. The applicant only has to fill a Form 49B and also has to pay a minimal processing charge. Jaagruk Bharat is a private helpdesk which guides the client about this process and helps fill in the application form. However, it is always the Income Tax Department which issues the number through its authorised agents like Protean (earlier known as NSDL e-Gov).
TAN Application at a Glance
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| What it is | TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number), a 10-character alphanumeric code |
| Form used | Form 49B (online or offline) |
| Where to apply | Protean (NSDL) TIN portal or the income tax e-filing portal |
| Processing fee | Typically ₹65 plus applicable Goods and Services Tax |
| Timeline | Usually 7 to 15 working days |
| Who needs it | Every person or business required to deduct or collect TDS or TCS |
How Do I Apply for a TAN Online?
Filling out the online form concerning the Protean process (formerly known as NSDL) is generally quite simple. The entire process usually takes approximately fifteen minutes.
- Visit the Protean TIN portal and open the online TAN application form (Form 49B).
- Select the correct category of deductor, such as company, firm, individual or proprietor.
- Fill in the business name, address, responsible person's details and contact information exactly as they appear on your records.
- Pay the processing fee of typically ₹65 plus applicable tax by debit card, credit card, net banking or demand draft.
- Submit the form and note the 14-digit acknowledgement number shown on screen.
- Print the acknowledgement, sign it, and send it to the Protean facilitation address, or complete verification digitally where offered.
What Happens After You Submit the Form?
The application can also be submitted through the official website of the Income Tax Department. Once the application is processed, the Income Tax Department issues the TAN and sends the email.
TAN vs PAN - What Is the Difference?
Permanent Account Number (PAN) and Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN) are two different codes given by the Income Tax Department of India. PAN is used to identify the tax payer who pays the tax and quoted while filing the income tax returns as well as in high-value transactions. TAN is used to identify the person who is making the tax deduction at source and is mentioned in the TDS returns, challans, and certificates.
| Point | TAN | PAN |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number | Permanent Account Number |
| Purpose | Deducting or collecting TDS/TCS | Identifying the taxpayer |
| Who needs it | Deductors and collectors | Almost every taxpayer |
| Application form | Form 49B | Form 49A |
How Do I Apply for a PAN as Well?
With the aid of our guide on PAN, you will be able to understand the procedure for applying for a PAN for your enterprise or for yourself as an individual.
Which Documents and Fees Are Needed?
It is a good thing that Form 49B has a reduced number of attachments. Whenever someone is applying online, most times, documents are not required as credible info is sufficient. The particulars about the expenses and inputs are listed below.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Processing fee | Typically ₹65 plus applicable Goods and Services Tax |
| Payment modes | Debit card, credit card, net banking or demand draft |
| Business details | Legal name, category and full address |
| Responsible person | Name and designation of the person accountable for TDS |
| Contact details | Active email address and mobile number |
Which Details Should Match Your Other Registrations?
Make use of the same registered address and point of contact information as provided earlier when applying for any other registration so as to maintain continuity in ordinary registration process.
Who Must Have a TAN, and What Is the Penalty?
Any individual or entity engaged in deducting TDS or collecting TCS is required to have a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number or TAN. It follows that all types of employers as well as firms and even many proprietors paying rent or fees over a prescribed limit must adhere to this requirement. This requirement has been necessitated due to introduction of Section 194T relating to payment to partners which has brought a number of firms and LLPs within the ambit of TDS as well as Required to go for TAN registration.
Where Must You Quote Your TAN?
After receiving a Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN), one must enter it on every TDS-related document such as challan and statement, just like the GST registration number is entered in tax invoices. Not applying for a TAN or specifying the incorrect TAN number can lead to a penalty of ₹10,000 under Section 272BB of the Income Tax Act. Since this penalty will be imposed for every instance of omission, it is advisable to apply for TAN at the earliest. More information may also be acquired by checking our latest news and guides on tax and finance.
How Do I Check My TAN Application Status?
The progress of the application can be followed via the Protean TIN portal, which provides the identification number assigned upon submission of the application.
- Open the TAN and PAN status tracking page.
- Select "TAN - New / Change Request" as the application type.
- Enter your 14-digit acknowledgement number and submit.
How Long Does the Status Take to Update?
Typically, after submission, it takes a few working days for the status update to be completed. After receiving the TAN allocation, you will get it via email and will be able to start using it to make TDS payments.
What If I Am Registering a New Business?
Launching your business involves the TAN application as one of the first registrations. Most small companies look for Udyam MSME registration first and then apply for GST and TAN while starting their payments and recruitment process. One can seek assistance in completing the application process for their business registrations and GST.
