High resolution laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectra of the [18.42]0(+) - X-1 Sigma(+) (0, 0) band of tantalum nitride, TaN, near 543 nm, have been recorded and analyzed field-free and in the presence of a static electric field. The nuclear electric quadrupole hyperfine structure due to Ta-181( I = 7/2) was resolved and analysis of the field-free spectrum yielded nuclear electric quadrupole coupling constants, eQq(0), of -0.24025 (75) cm (1) and -0.05755(76) cm (1) for the X-1 Sigma(+) and [18.42]0(+) states, respectively. The Stark tuning of the R(0) and P(1) lines was analyzed to determine the magnitude of the molecular frame electric dipole moments, vertical bar(mu) over right arrowe(l) vertical bar of 3.33(4) D and 4.48(3) D for the X-1 Sigma(+) and [18.42](0+) states, respectively. The vertical bar(mu) over right arrowe(l) vertical bar and eQq(0) values are discussed in terms of predicted molecular orbitals for the X-1 Sigma(+) and [18.42](0+) states. (C) 2016 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.