TAN - Tax Deduction Account Number

What is TAN?

TAN is a 10 Digit Alphanumeric Number and is used as an abbreviation for Tax Deduction Account Number.  Any person /company who deducts TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is required to quote this number in all Form 16 / Form 16A and TDS Returns.

TAN is used for 2 things by the Income-tax Department:

1. Know who has deducted TDS of the employee / payee.
2. Know who is the person whose TDS was deducted. (so that refund and credits can be given back to the employee / payee).

Where do I find TAN?

TAN number can be found on either the Form-16 / Form-16A or the 26AS.