Difference Between TIN/TAN/VAT/PAN/DSC And DIN- Best Finaxis 2025-26

What Is The Difference Between TIN/TAN/VAT/PAN/DSC And DIN?

Taxpayer Identification Number/ Value Added Tax-TIN/VAT

Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is the finished form of what was earlier known as the VAT (Value Added Tax)/CST (Central Sales Tax) or Sales Tax Number. This number is given by the Commercial Tax Department and helps in distinguishing proof of people and organizations who pay business charges to the State Government. It is a stand-out eleven-digit number that should be utilized for all VAT-related Business Transactions.

Also, it fills in as a registration number for organizations that have enrolled with the VAT Office. This office was accountable for highway deals tax collection before the execution of the Goods and Service Tax (GST). Accordingly, the TIN or VAT applies to a wide range of wares, including manufactured products, trade things, web-based business things, and retail merchandise. The VAT or TIN has been supplanted by the GST or GSTIN after the presentation of the GST (Goods and Service Tax) in 2017.

Tax Deducted and Collection Account Number-TAN

Every organization and person whose income is taxed at the source is assigned a ten-digit alphanumeric code. To use TDS procedures, a company must first obtain a TAN registration and number. This TAN number must be included in any TDS or TCS returns they submit. If a company doing TDS doesn’t even have a registered TAN, it will suffer serious legal consequences. Once a company has a TAN, it is the responsibility of the company to file TDS returns on a quarterly basis.

Permanent Account Number-PAN

Every Indian taxpayer is identified by their PAN (Permanent Account Number), which is a ten-digit alphanumeric code. Individuals, foreign nationals, companies, corporations, and HUFs in India are all covered by this number. It’s an important document that doubles as identity. The Income Tax Department of India provides it. A valid PAN Card is required for everyone who wishes to establish their own business. This card is also used by the IT Department to keep track of all money transfers as well as the chargeable component of such transactions. Furthermore, this PAN Card is now required for large cash deposits, loans, and the purchasing of immovable assets.

Digital Signature Certificates-DSC

Digital Signature Certificates fill in as a type of electronic approval while transferring records. It additionally fills in as a proof of character, at whatever point you are transferring individual records on the web or making on the web exchanges or filings. Divisions, for example, the MCA, IT office, Employee Provident Fund, Foreign Trade Department, and the Center for E-Tenders by and large use DSCs as approval. These marks go under three kinds:

Class 1- Utilized principally for non-legislative or low-need cases

Class 2- Utilized for enlisting an organization and recording IT returns

Class 3- Utilized fundamentally for E-Tender support

Director Identification Number-DIN

A Director Identification Number (DIN) is a stand-out number allotted to a current or future head of an organization and expected for enlistment. The terms Director Identification Number (DIN) and Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN) are compatible. In India, a DPIN is important to enroll in an LLP. The DIN ordinarily contains all of the individual data about the person who is going to turn into a Director. People are the ones in particular who can get a DIN. By giving confirmation of recognizable proof and address, both Indian and unfamiliar residents can get a DIN. Since the Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) is required while applying for a DIN, hence it should be gotten first.

A Detailed Comparison Between TIN/TAN/VAT/PAN/DSC And DIN

TIN/VAT	TAN	PAN	DSC	DIN
TIN represents the Tax Identification Number.TIN was earlier known as VAT.	TAN represents Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number.	PAN represents Permanent Account Number	DSC represents Digital Signature Certificate	DIN represents Director Identification Number.
Unmistakable states have various regulations that apply to TIN.	The Law appropriate to TAN is under segment 203A of the Income Tax Act.	The law appropriate to PAN is under segment 139A of the Income Tax Act.	According to the Companies Act, 2013.	The Law appropriate for DIN is under sections 153 and 154 of the Companies Act.
Endeavors mentioning VAT enrollment, like exporters, makers, brokers, and vendors of items and administrations, should enlist for a TIN. TIN is currently replaced with GSTIN.	TAN is a ten-digit alphanumeric number given by the Indian Income Tax Department to people who are committed to deducting or gathering charges on installments made under the Indian Income Tax Act, 1961.	PAN is a 10-digit ID number expected by the Income Tax Department for anyone who goes through with monetary exchanges or makes good on charges.	Digital signatures are expected for specific records and exchanges to be documented on the web.	DIN is a special distinguishing proof number held for the organization’s current or impending chiefs. It contains individual data about them.
TIN is given by the Commercial Tax Department of the particular state.	TAN is given by the Income Tax Department.	PAN is given by the Income Tax Department.	It is given by any authorized confirming power, according to area 24 of the Income Tax Act, 2000.	DIN is distributed by the Central Government.