Emperor Kammu had a strong trust and confidence in Tanetsugu and he was given the position of Sangi (Councilor), Shikibu-sho (Ministry of Ceremonial) in 782 and became Chunagon (Middle Counselor) in 784.
桓武天皇の信任も厚く782年（延暦元年）に参議・式部省、784年（同3年）には中納言となる。