Tanda Department was created in 1988 as a first-level subdivision via a split-off from Bondoukou Department.[3]
In 1997, regions were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast; as a result, all departments were converted into second-level subdivisions. Tanda Department was included in Zanzan Region.
In 2005, Tanda Department was divided with the split-off creation of Koun-Fao Department.[3] Tanda Department was divided again in 2009 with the creation of Transua Department.[3]
In 2011, districts were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast. At the same time, regions were reorganised and became second-level subdivisions and all departments were converted into third-level subdivisions. At this time, Tanda Department became part of Gontougo Region in Zanzan District.