How to Apply for Tax Identification Number India? Get TIN Online

December 5, 2023
tax identification number india

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A tax or tax identification number (TIN) is assigned to individuals and corporations to monitor their tax responsibilities and payments to the Federal Revenue Service. The federal government issues it. Individuals may get a TIN from the (SSA) Social Security Administration, while corporations and other organizations can get one from the IRS. 

TIN is an identification number issued to corporate companies for recording transactions, similar to PAN, which is assigned to individual taxpayers. All VAT-registered organizations must trade goods and services. The move aims to centralize all tax-related details for companies operating in many states and conducting intra-state and inter-state activities.

The Income Tax Agency assigns TINs to commercial businesses to track transactions and attribute them to different business organizations. The TIN is made up of 11 characters, the final two of which represent the applicant’s state. The IT department issues a TIN to any business dealers that want to register for VAT or (CST) Central Sales Tax (CST).

Read on to dig deeper into the details of TIN numbers and get vital insights on tax identification numbers in India

What is a Tax Identification Number (TIN)?

A tax identification number is a one-of-a-kind collection of numbers that identifies persons, businesses, and other legal entities such as nonprofit organizations (NPOs). Any individual or organization must apply for a TIN. After being authorized, the assigning agency issues a unique number to the applicant.

The Tax Identification Number, commonly known as a taxpayer identification number, is required for anybody submitting yearly tax returns with the IRS and is used to trace taxpayers. Filers must mention the number on tax-related papers and when receiving government benefits or services.

Where is Tax Identification Number Used?

Unlike PAN and TAN cards, TAX Identification Number in India   is an 11-digit unique number issued by the Commercial Tax Department of the respective Indian state. It may be discussed further as follows:

  1. A company identification number is used to monitor transactions.
  2. A document is needed by all firms that are VAT registered.
  3. When products or services are sold inside a state or between two or more states, the TIN is employed.
  4. It is a contemporary approach to collecting, processing, monitoring, and accounting for direct taxes.
  5. All VAT transactions must include the TIN.

When Is a Tax Registration Number Needed?

1. Banks and other lenders demand Social Security numbers for loan applications. This information is then relayed to credit bureaus to ensure that the application is being filled out by the correct person. Credit reporting organization’s utilize TINs, specifically SSNs, to record and monitor an individual’s credit history.

2. Employers demand an SSN from everybody who applies for a job. This is done to ensure that the person is legally permitted to work in the United States. Employers confirm the figures with the issuing agency.

3. Companies must also get state identification numbers to submit tax returns to their respective state tax offices. The I.D. number is issued immediately to the filer by the state taxation authority. 

Importance of Tax Identification Number in India

TIN is crucial for the following reasons:

  1. It centralizes crucial tax-related information on a single platform.
  2. After obtaining the TIN, one may claim an input tax credit.
  3. It aids in the identification of assets under the Income Tax Act.
  4. Companies with TINs may simply continue their operations.
  5. It aids in the recording of intra- and inter-state transactions.
  6. It unifies all vital tax-related information and makes it accessible via a single platform. It also aids in the identification of assets under the IT Act.

Also Read: Mastering Tax Planning: Why Tax Planning Matters More Than Ever in Today’s Economy

Format of TIN Number

The Tax Identification Number in India  consists of 11 characters. The first nine characters are supplied by the government, and the remaining nine characters represent the applicant’s current state.

How to Apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) Online?

If you’re curious to know how to get a TIN number, there is a regular application process to apply tax identification number online in India. The procedure for applying for a Tax Identification Number India is outlined below –

  1. Go to the site of your state government and register for the VAT portal.
  2. After completing, log in to the online portal.
  3. Fill out the TIN registration form on the portal with the essential information.
  4. Attach all supporting documentation.
  5. After completing the TIN application, submit the form. Once you submit. it will be confirmed by your government’s IT department.
  6. Once the verification is complete, you will be given a tax identification number and a provisional certificate.
  7. A VAT inspector will visit the business location to complete the final verification process and issue the TIN.

Documents Required for TIN Registration

The documentation necessary for Tax Identification Number application may differ depending on the restrictions established by state governments. Nonetheless, the following are some common documents for TIN registration number that are accepted in most states:

  1. 4-6 passport-sized pictures 
  2. PAN card of the proprietor
  3. Applicant’s address proof
  4. Identity proof
  5. Address-proof of your registered business
  6. References
  7. Sale invoice 
  8. Bank Statement

You can check the status of your TIN application. Read on to obtain a better understanding of the situation.

How to Verify the TIN Application Status?

You can check the status of your TIN application by visiting the NSDL website. You can select the application type and enter the 15-digit unique acknowledgement number through the portal. This number is available three days after you apply.

You can also call the TIN call centre at 020-27218080. You can also send an SMS to 57575 with the phrase ‘NSDLPAN’ and a 15-digit acknowledgement number. This will assist you in determining the status of the TIN application.

List of State Codes for First Two Digits of TIN Numbers

Here are the state codes so you can easily find TIN number with the first two digits of these state codes.

SR.NO State Name State Code TIN number – First two digits 
Andhra Pradesh AP 28 
Andaman and Nicobar Islands AN 35 
Assam AS 18 
Andhra Pradesh (New) AD 37 
Arunachal Pradesh AR 12 
Bihar BH 10 
Chattisgarh CT 22 
Chandigarh CH 04 
Delhi DL 07 
10 Daman and Diu DD 25 
11 Dadra and Nagar Haveli DN 26 
12 Gujarat GJ 24 
13 Goa GA 30 
14 Himachal Pradesh HP 02 
15 Haryana HR 06 
16 Jharkhand JH 20 
17 Jammu and Kashmir JK 01 
18 Kerala KL 32 
19 Karnataka KA 29 
20 Lakshadweep Islands LD 31 
21 Manipur MN 14 
22 Madhya Pradesh MP 23 
23 Maharashtra MH 27 
24 Nagaland NL 13 
25 Mizoram MI 15 
26 Meghalaya ME 17 
27 Odisha OR 21 
28 Punjab PB 03 
29 Pondicherry PY 34 
30 Rajasthan RJ 08 
31 Sikkim SK 11 
32 Tripura TR 16 
33 Tamil Nadu TN 33 
34 Telangana TS 36 
35 Uttarakhand UT 05 
36 Uttar Pradesh UP 09 
37 West Bengal WB 19 

The details about the tax identification number India will provide you with a clear insight into what is tax identification number in India is for individuals. Once you gain factual information and understand the value-adding details of the TIN number, you will then be ready to share the knowledge.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Full Form of the TIN Number?

The full form of the TIN number is “Taxpayer Identification Number.” It is a unique identification number assigned to every individual or business entity that is registered under the Value Added Tax (VAT) system. This number is used by the government to track the transactions of the taxpayer and ensure compliance with tax laws.

Where can I find my tax identification number in India?

The 10-digit alphanumeric code on your PAN card is your unique tax identification number that is assigned to you by the Income Tax Department of India. You can also find your Tax Identification Number India on your tax returns, tax challans, or any other communication received from the Income Tax Department.

Is a Tax Identification Number the same as a PAN number in India?

No, a TIN does not equal a PAN number. A permanent Account Number (PAN) is an identifying number provided to people who pay taxes, whereas a TIN is an identification number assigned to businesses to track their transactions.

Is a PAN card a tax ID?

No, a TIN does not equal a PAN number. A permanent Account Number (PAN) is an identifying number provided to people who pay taxes, whereas a TIN is an identification number assigned to businesses to track their transactions.

How can I get my tax identification number?

You can apply for a tax identification number directly with the relevant government agency. For example, the Social Security Administration can provide you with a Social Security number. Whether you require an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a Business Identification Number (BIN), you may be able to receive one directly from the Federal Revenue Service.

Is the TIN and GST number the same?

GSTIN is an abbreviation for Goods and Services Tax Identification Number. It is a tax registration number that appears under the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This is a 15-digit number assigned to each taxpayer by the state. When the GST regime went into effect in 2017, the Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) replaced the (TIN) Tax Identification Number.

What is an example of a TIN number?

An example of a TIN number can be a Social Security number. It enables you to apply for jobs in the United States, acquire credit from banks and other lenders, and file your annual tax returns with the IRS using your SSN.

How many digits is a TIN number?

The income tax department issues TINs, which normally have 11 characters, to all business enterprises that desire to register for CST or VAT.

Can I use PAN instead of TAN?

You cannot use PAN (Permanent Account Number) instead of TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number). PAN is a unique identification number assigned to individuals and entities for tax purposes, while TAN is a 10-digit alphanumeric code assigned to entities who are responsible for deducting or collecting taxes at the source. TAN is mandatory for businesses and entities that are required to deduct or collect tax at source under the Income Tax Act.

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