How to Verify Your TAN Number – A Complete Guide

Introduction

A Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) is a 10-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department. It follows a specific structure: the first four characters are letters, the next five are numbers, and the final character is a letter—for example, ABCD12345K.

Any person or entity responsible for deducting Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) must obtain a TAN. Verifying a TAN online helps ensure its authenticity, accuracy, and confirms whether TDS has been deducted by the correct party.

In this article, you’ll learn what TAN is, why it is important, and how to verify TAN using both name and number. Auriga Accounting pvt. ltd. makes TAN registration simple with professional support!

What is TAN Verification?

TAN verification is the process of confirming the validity of a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It ensures that the TAN used for tax-related activities—such as filing TDS returns—belongs to the correct and authorized entity. This verification step helps prevent errors and promotes transparency in all Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) transactions, safeguarding both deductors and recipients.

Why is TAN Verification Important?

Prevents Errors
Verifying a TAN reduces the chances of mistakes during TDS filing. It ensures that the deducted tax is deposited into the correct government account associated with the right taxpayer.

Ensures Compliance
Proper TAN verification demonstrates adherence to TDS regulations laid down by the Income Tax Department, helping avoid penalties for non-compliance.

Promotes Transparency
Verification ensures clarity in TDS operations, confirming that the deducted tax is accurately deposited with the government.

Streamlines TDS Processing
Accurate TAN verification speeds up the processing of TDS returns and challans by the Income Tax Department, reducing delays and ensuring timely credit of taxes.

What is the Process of TAN Verification Online?

A TAN can be used to identify the tax deduction or collection account of a person or entity responsible for TDS or TCS. The Income Tax Department provides an online facility called “Know TAN Details” that allows users to verify TAN information by either TAN number or name. Here’s how each method works:

TAN Verification by Name

Follow these steps to verify TAN details using the deductor’s name:

Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal homepage.
Under the “Quick Links” section, click “Know TAN Details.”
On the search page, select Name as the search criteria.
Enter the required details such as Category, State, Deductor’s Name, and a valid Mobile Number.
Click “Continue.” A 6-digit OTP will be sent to the mobile number you entered.
Enter the OTP on the verification page and click “Validate.”
A list of matching records will appear. Select the correct name to view the TAN’s Basic and AO (Assessing Officer) details.

TAN Verification by Number

You can also verify TAN details directly using the TAN number:

Visit the Income Tax e-filing portal homepage.
In the “Quick Links” section, click “Know TAN Details.”
Choose TAN as the search criteria on the page.
Enter details such as Category, State, Deductor’s Name, and a valid Mobile Number.
Click “Continue.” A 6-digit OTP will be sent to your mobile number.
Enter the OTP and click “Validate.”
The system will display the matching TAN record, including Basic and AO details.

About the Author

Ravi

Ravi is an experienced legal writer who transforms complex laws into clear, actionable guidance. He empowers entrepreneurs to understand their legal responsibilities, helping them build compliant, sustainable businesses with confidence.