Dinesh P

Expert

Published on: Jun 24, 2026

Tan Verification: How to Verify the TAN number?

TAN (Tax deduction and collection account number) is a 10-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Income Tax Department. The first four digits of the TAN number are alphabetic, the following five digits are numerical, and the last digit is an alphabet, for example, ABCD12345K. This number must be obtained by the person responsible for deducting the tax at source (TDS). Tan Verification can be done online to ensure its validity and accuracy and check whether the TDS amount was deducted by the right person. In this article, you can learn about TAN, its importance, and how to verify TAN by name and number. IndiaFilings streamlines the TAN registration with expert assistance!! Get Your TAN Number Now!

What is Tan Verification?

Tan Verification is the process of confirming the legitimacy of a Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN) issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It ensures the TAN being used for tax purposes, like filing TDS returns, belongs to the valid entity it claims to represent, preventing errors and promoting transparency in tax deductions. This simple verification step safeguards deductors and recipients involved in tax deductions at source (TDS) transactions.

Why is Tan Verification Important?

Verifying a TAN offers several benefits for both deductors and depositors:
  • Prevents Errors: Verifying a TAN minimizes the risk of errors in TDS filing. It ensures the deducted tax reaches the correct government account associated with the intended recipient.
  • Ensures Compliance: Proper Tan Verification demonstrates compliance with the Income Tax Department's TDS regulations, which avoids potential penalties for non-compliance.
  • Promotes Transparency: Tan Verification provides transparency in TDS transactions. Deductions and deposits are assured that the deducted tax is deposited with the government.
  • Streamlines TDS Processing: Verifying TAN streamlines the processing of TDS returns and challans by the Income Tax Department. This reduces delays and ensures timely crediting of deposited tax.

What is the Process of Tan Verification Online?

TAN number can be used to identify the TAN deduction/collection account. People who is responsible for TDS or TCS are required to know their tax deduction/collection account number (TAN). The income tax department has an online facility called ā€œKnow TAN Detailsā€ to check or verify one’s TAN details by TAN number or Name. Let’s see how each method works:

Tan Verification by Name

Here’s the process to verify the TAN details using the deductor name,
  • Step 1: Visit the homepage of the Income tax e-filing website.
  • Step 2: Click the ā€œKnow TAN detailsā€ given under the ā€œQuick Linksā€ section.
  • Step 3: Select the Name option in the search criteria on the ā€˜Know TAN details page’.
  • Step 4: Enter the appropriate details, like Category, State, and Name of the Deductor, and a valid Mobile number.
  • Step 5: Click ā€˜Continue’. You will receive a 6-digit OTP to the mobile number you entered.
  • Step 6: Enter the 6-digit OTP on the verification page and click ā€œValidateā€.
  • Step 7: You will see a list of records matching the name. Click the name you want to verify from the TAN details table, and the individual’s TAN details (Basic and AO details) will appear on the screen. 

Tan Verification by Number

You can also verify the TAN details using the TAN number. Use the following instructions:
  • Step 1: Go to the homepage of the Income tax e-filing website.
  • Step 2: Find the "Quick Links" section and click "Know TAN details."
  • Step 3: On the "Know TAN details" page, choose the TAN option in the search criteria.
  • Step 4: Input the required details such as Category, State, Deductor's Name, and a valid Mobile number.
  • Step 5: Proceed by clicking on 'Continue'. You'll receive a 6-digit OTP on the provided mobile number.
  • Step 6: Enter the OTP on the verification page and click ā€œValidateā€.
  • Step 7: You will get the matching record for the chosen TAN number. It will have Basic and AO details.

Conclusion

This article has comprehensively explained TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) in India. It covers the importance of Tan Verification, its benefits for both deductors and depositors and the two convenient online methods for verifying a TAN using either the number itself or the deductor's name. By following these steps and understanding the importance of Tan Verification, you can ensure accurate and compliant tax deductions at source (TDS) transactions. Register for the TAN properly and get verified with IndiaFilings tax experts!! Get Your TAN Number Now!
Back to Learn

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about TAN Verification Process for Compliance and Accuracy.

A TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number) is a 10-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Income Tax Department of India. It is crucial for entities responsible for deducting tax at source (TDS) as it enables them to deposit the deducted taxes accurately and comply with tax regulations.
TAN verification minimizes the risk of errors in TDS filing by ensuring that the deducted tax reaches the correct government account associated with the intended recipient. This prevents mistakes in tax deductions and deposits, promoting transparency and accuracy in the process.
TAN verification offers several benefits for both deductors and depositors: it prevents errors, ensures compliance with TDS regulations, promotes transparency in transactions, and streamlines the processing of TDS returns and challans by the Income Tax Department.
To verify a TAN online by name, visit the Income Tax e-filing website, select the "Know TAN details" option, choose the "Name" option in the search criteria, enter details like category, state, deductor's name, and a valid mobile number. After receiving an OTP, validate it, and the TAN details will be displayed.
To verify a TAN online by number, go to the Income Tax e-filing website, click "Know TAN details," select the "TAN" option in the search criteria, enter details like category, state, deductor's name, and a valid mobile number. Receive an OTP, validate it, and the TAN details will be shown.
While TAN verification is not explicitly mandated by law, it is highly recommended to ensure compliance with TDS regulations, prevent errors, and promote transparency in tax deductions and deposits. Regular TAN verification is a best practice for entities responsible for TDS.
No, a valid mobile number is required to complete the TAN verification process online. This is because the Income Tax Department sends a one-time password (OTP) to the provided mobile number, which must be entered for verification and security purposes.
It is advisable to verify your TAN regularly, especially before filing TDS returns or making tax deductions and deposits. This ensures that your TAN is valid and up-to-date, minimizing the risk of errors and non-compliance.
The TAN verification results typically display the Basic and AO (Assessing Officer) details associated with the TAN, such as the category, state, deductor's name, and address.
No, you can only verify the TAN for your own entity or the one you are authorized to represent. Attempting to verify a TAN for an entity you are not associated with or authorized to access may be considered a violation of privacy and security measures.