A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is a unique 11-digit number assigned to individuals or businesses in India that are registered under VAT (Value Added Tax). It is primarily used by state commercial tax departments to track and manage tax-related transactions, especially for businesses involved in the sale and purchase of goods.
Although the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has largely replaced VAT in most states since 2017, the term TIN is still commonly used in reference to earlier tax systems and in certain compliance records. For many business owners, especially those who registered before GST implementation, the TIN is linked to their historical tax filings.
TIN plays an important role in ensuring compliance with Indian tax laws. It is required when registering a business, filing returns for older tax periods, or maintaining documentation for audits. It helps the government identify entities liable for indirect taxes and track cross-state transactions.
For business owners and entrepreneurs, having a clear understanding of TIN is essential—especially when dealing with legacy documentation or state-specific tax procedures. While new businesses are now issued a GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number) instead of a TIN, references to TIN still appear in several compliance and registration scenarios.
To learn more about Indian income tax requirements and how they impact your business, visit FinTax24’s income tax solutions.
In summary, TIN is a foundational identification number used in India’s tax system, especially before GST, and remains relevant for many compliance and regulatory processes even today.