TAN or Tax Account Number is a 10 digit alphanumeric number issued to payer/deductor who are required to deduct or collect tax on payments they make. TAN is issued by TIN NSDL to TDS deductor/collector.
A person cannot hold more than one TAN. TAN is required to file TDS Return Form 24Q, 26Q and 27Q.
TAN Structure is as follows:
- The first 4 digits of TAN are alphabets,
- The next 5 digits of TAN are numeric and the last digit is an alphabet.
First 3 alphabets of TAN represent the jurisdiction code, the 4th alphabet is the initial of the name of the TAN holder who can be a company, firm, individual, etc.
For example, TAN allotted to Mr Atul of Ahmedabad may appear as under: