Tax Identification Number or Taxpayer Identification Number, abbreviated as TIN, is a unique number assigned to a business by the Commercial Tax Department of the state that has received the application. It is a 11-digit number that serves as an identity for a business, which is registered under VAT for trade of goods and services. While the last 2 digits signify the unique code of the state that has issued it, the remaining 9 digits vary basis the state government that will register the number. TIN is also referred to as a VAT Number when transactions are intra-state. VAT has been replaced by GST from 1st July 2017.
Why is TIN essential?
It is an initiative to integrate and make essential tax-related details available on a unified platform.
It aids in identification of assets under Income Tax Act.
Business enterprises specialising in trade, manufacture, export and dealing with goods and services, require TIN for both purchase and sale of goods and services.
Information regarding a business enterprise can be easily accessed by multiple states where the business has its presence, streamlining intra and inter-state transactions.