Tax Identification Number (TIN): What It Is and How to Register

Tax Identification Number (TIN), in India, is an unique identification number required for any business entity registered under the Value-Added Tax (VAT) system. Businesses engaged in manufacturing, exporting, trading, and transactions involving goods and services must possess a tax identification number.

TIN, an 11-character code, is issued by the Income Tax Department for businesses registering under Central Sales Tax (CST) or VAT. The first 9 characters are assigned by the government and the last characters depict the state of the applicant.

Just like Permanent Account Number (PAN), TIN is also an identification number that is assigned to business entities for tracking their transactions.

State Codes for TIN in India

Sr. No.	State Name	State Code	TIN number - 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

How to Apply for a TIN Number Online?

There is a standard application process to get your tax identification number. Mentioned below is the step by step guide to apply for a TIN.

Step 1: Go to the website of your respective state government and register at the portal for VAT
Step 2: Log in to the portal
Step 3: Enter the necessary details and fill out the TIN application form
Step 4: Upload all the supporting documents
Step 5: After submitting the TIN application, it will be verified by the I-T department of your state
Step 6: After the verification is done, you will be issued a TIN and provisional certificate
Step 7: A VAT inspector will come to the business address for the final verification process and issuing of the TIN

Post TIN allotment, you will be recognised as a registered dealer and be allowed to do your business that involves sales of goods. The company’s invoices and, in some cases, the sellers as well, will now mention your TIN number.

Documents Required for TIN Registration

The TIN registration necessitates specific documentation, with the required documents varying depending on the location.

Address proof
Identity proof
Passport-sized photos of the business owner
PAN card of the business owner
Business address proof
References

Difference Between GSTIN and TIN

Parameter	Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN)	Tax Identification Number (TIN)
Applicability	GSTIN is a tax registration number that comes under the Goods and Services Tax (GST)	TIN is an identification number that is required for every business entity that is registered under VAT
Format	It is a 15-digit number that is assigned to taxpayers state-wise	It consists of 11 characters with the first 9 assigned by the government and the last 2 indicate the applicant’s state
Purpose	Facilitates streamlined tax collection and compliance under the GST regime	Used for state-wise tracking of transactions under the VAT system

How to Check the TIN Application Status?

Here are the steps you need to follow to check the TIN application status online:

Step 1: Check the status on the NSDL tracking website
Step 2: Enter the 14-digit TAN acknowledgement number
Step 3: Select the application type on the portal
Step 4: Complete the captcha and click on submit
Step 5: The screen will display the TIN status

You can also check the status through the below-listed offline modes:

Call 020-27218080 to verify TIN application status
Text ‘NSDLPAN’ to 57575 with the acknowledgement number

Are TIN and PAN the same?

No. While a Permanent Account Number (PAN) is assigned to individuals for tax purposes, a TIN is issued to business entities to track their transactions.

Who requires a TIN number?

The Tax Identification Number(TIN) is required for businesses specialising in manufacture, trade, export, and dealing with services and goods.

Is the TIN number and GSTIN number the same?

Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) replaced the Tax Identification Number(TIN) in 2017 when the GST regime was put into effect.

Does everyone need to have a TIN number?

Only businesses that are registered under the CST or VAT system are required to have the Tax Identification Number (TIN).

Is TIN the same as TAN?

No. The Tax Identification Number (TIN) is for business taxpayers, while TAN is for individuals subject to TDS deductions on behalf of the I-T department.

What is a TIN number in india?

Tax Identification Number (TIN) is the unique identification number that is mandatory for any business enterprise that is registered under VAT. TIN, a crucial identifier for businesses seeking CST or VAT registration, is an 11-character code issued by the Income Tax Department.

How to apply for a TIN number online india?

You can apply for TIN online by logging into your respective state government official website and filling out the application.

Where to find a TIN number?

Once issued, your Tax Identification Number will be mentioned in all the invoices raised by the company and will also be mentioned to the seller in some cases.