TAN Penalties 2026 — Section 272BB & TDS Default Costs
The cost of getting TAN and TDS wrong adds up fast — across four different sections of the Income Tax Act. Here's what each default costs in 2026, and how to avoid them.
Quick Answer
Failing to obtain a TAN, or quoting an incorrect TAN on challans and returns, attracts a penalty of ₹10,000 under Section 272BB. Separately, late TDS returns cost ₹200/day (234E), late deduction/deposit attracts interest (201), and non-filing can trigger ₹10,000–₹1,00,000 under 271H.
✓Key Takeaways
- No TAN or wrong TAN → ₹10,000 under Section 272BB.
- Late TDS return → ₹200/day under Section 234E (capped at the TDS amount).
- Late deduction → 1%/month; late deposit → 1.5%/month interest under Section 201.
- Not filing / wrong filing → ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000 under Section 271H.
The four penalties, explained
| Default | Section | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| No TAN, or wrong TAN quoted | 272BB | ₹10,000 |
| TDS return filed late | 234E | ₹200/day (max = TDS amount) |
| TDS deducted late | 201(1A) | 1% per month |
| TDS deposited late | 201(1A) | 1.5% per month |
| Return not filed / incorrect | 271H | ₹10,000–₹1,00,000 |
Section 272BB in detail
This is the TAN-specific penalty. It applies when a person who is required to obtain a TAN fails to apply for one, or quotes a wrong/false TAN on a challan, return, or certificate. The Assessing Officer may levy up to ₹10,000.
Why TDS defaults are worse than they look
A late TDS return doesn't just cost the ₹200/day fee — it also delays the deductee's credit in their Form 26AS. That means your employees or vendors can't claim their TDS, which damages relationships and invites grievance notices. The fee under 234E cannot exceed the TDS amount, but it is not waivable by the Assessing Officer.
How to stay penalty-free
- Obtain your TAN before the first deduction.
- Deposit TDS by the 7th of the following month.
- File the quarterly return by 31 Jul / 31 Oct / 31 Jan / 31 May.
- Double-check the TAN and PANs on every challan and return.
- Issue Form 16/16A on time so deductees get their credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the 234E late fee be waived?
No. Unlike some penalties, the ₹200/day fee under 234E is mandatory and cannot be reduced by the officer. Only the cap (equal to the TDS amount) limits it.
Is 271H penalty automatic?
No. It is discretionary and can be avoided if you deposit the TDS, fee, and interest and file within one year of the due date.
I quoted the wrong TAN once — what now?
File a correction statement immediately so the credit flows correctly, and keep evidence of the fix in case of a 272BB query.
Don't risk the stack of penalties — we manage your TAN and TDS filings end to end.
Related Tools & Services
You Might Also Like
What is TAN & Who Needs It 2026 — TDS Deductor's Guide
TAN is a 10-digit number every TDS/TCS deductor must hold under Section 203A. Who needs a TAN in 2026, where it's quoted, and the difference from PAN — explained.
How to Apply for TAN Online 2026 — Form 49B Step-by-Step
Apply for TAN online in 2026 using Form 49B on the Protean (NSDL) portal. Fee of ₹55 plus GST, documents, processing time, and how to track your TAN application.
TAN vs PAN 2026 — The Difference & When You Need Each
TAN and PAN are both 10-digit numbers but serve opposite roles. A clear 2026 comparison: who needs each, where they're quoted, format, and why a business holds both.
Need help filing?
I handle everything via WhatsApp — documents to acknowledgement in 24–48 hours.
Chat on WhatsApp →