While PAN stands for Permanent Account Number, TAN stands for Tax Deduction Account Number. TAN is to be obtained by the person responsible who is an taxpayer or runs a business to enable proper deduction of tax, i.e. the deductor.
1/51. TAN card is a 10 digit alphanumeric number required to be obtained by all persons who are responsible for deducting or collecting tax.
2/52. In all the documents relating to TDS and all the correspondence with the Income-tax Department relating to TDS one has to quote his or her TAN.
3/53. PAN cannot be used for TAN. The tax deductor has to obtain TAN card, even if he holds a PAN card.
4/54. However, in case of TDS on purchase of land and building (as per section 194- IA), a deductor is not required to obtain TAN and can use PAN for remitting the TDS.
5/55. To facilitate deductors find their new TAN, the Income-Tax Department has now introduced a search facility in its website: www.incometaxindia.gov.in.