Income Tax is levied by the Government of India on the income of every person. The provisions governing the Income-tax are covered in the Income-tax Act, 1961. Income-tax is levied on the annual income of a person.

The year considered under the Income-tax Law is the period starting from 1st April and ending on 31stMarch of next calendar year. Income-tax is to be paid by every person. For the purpose of charging Income-tax, the term 'person' includes Individual, Hindu Undivided Families [HUFs], Association of Persons [AOPs], Body of individuals [BOIs], Firms, LLPs, Companies, Local authority and any artificial juridical person not covered under any of the above.

As per Income Tax Act, certain registrations and pre-approvals to be obtained from the tax department. Some of them are - Permanent Account Number (PAN): Permanent Account Number (PAN) is a ten-digit alphanumeric identification number allotted to every taxpayer. It is mandatory to quote PAN on return of income and other important financial transactions.

Tax deduction Account Number (TAN): TAN or Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number is a 10 digit alpha numeric number required to be obtained by all persons who are responsible for deducting or collecting tax. Under Section 203A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, it is mandatory to quote Tax Deduction Account Number (TAN) allotted by the Income Tax Department (ITD) on all TDS returns.

Lower Tax (TDS) Certificate: As per the provisions of the Income Tax Act, TDS/ TCS are required to be deducted at the prescribed rate at the time of making the payment. In case, the estimated tax liability of a person is lower than the TDS amount, then he has an option of applying to the department for a certificate directing TDS deductor to deduct tax at a lower/nil rate than the prescribed rate.