How to Apply Tax Identification Number India - What is TIN

Individuals and corporations are assigned a Tax Identification Number India (TIN) 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 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 business dealers who want to register for VAT or 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 India (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 authorization, 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 to 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 the Tax Identification Number Used?

Unlike PAN and TAN cards, the TAX Identification Number in India is an 11-digit unique number issued by the Commercial Tax Department of the respective Indian state. Further discussion can involve:

1. A company identification number monitors transactions.
2. All VAT-registered firms require a document.
3. When companies sell products or services inside a state or between two or more states, they utilize the TIN.
4. It is a contemporary approach to collecting, processing, monitoring, and accounting for direct taxes.
5. All VAT transactions must include the TIN.

Who Needs a Tax Registration Number in India?

1. Banks and other lenders demand Social Security numbers for loan applications. Credit bureaus then receive this information to ensure that the correct person fills out the application. Credit reporting organizations 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 ensures 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 state taxation authority immediately issues the I.D. number to the filer.

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 government supplies the first nine characters, and the remaining nine characters represent the applicant’s current state.

How do you apply for a Tax Identification Number in India (TIN) Online?

If you’re curious to know how to get a TIN, there is a regular application process to apply for a tax identification number online in India. You can refer to the outline below for applying for a TIN online:

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. The government’s IT department will confirm it.
6. Once the verification is complete, you will receive 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 numbers that most states accept:

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 with the first two digits of these state codes.

Sr.No.	State Name	State Code	TIN – First two digits
1	Andhra Pradesh	AP	28
2	Andaman and Nicobar Islands	AN	35
3	Assam	AS	18
4	Andhra Pradesh (New)	AD	37
5	Arunachal Pradesh	AR	12
6	Bihar	BH	10
7	Chattisgarh	CT	22
8	Chandigarh	CH	04
9	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 in 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, you will then be ready to share the knowledge.

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Difference Between GST and TAN

GSTIN	TAN
Before the implementation of GSTIN, all the dealers who had registered under the VAT law of the state were assigned a Tax Identification Number (TIN) by the respective state.	TAN is required for any individual or entity who is required to deduct tax at source when making payments such as rent, salary, etc.
GSTIN is the acronym for “Goods and Services Tax Identification Number”.	TAN is the acronym for “Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number”.
This is a 15-digit number that is assigned state-wise to each taxpayer.	It is a 10-digit alphanumeric number.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)