You can certainly remove any custom tab stops in the selection, by using the Clear All option, but you can't get rid of the default tab stops.

However, it's possible that the instructions refer to tab characters, that is, the ones that get inserted as you press the Tab key. At least in WinWord, you can display tab characters (arrows pointing to the right) by clicking the ¶ button (found on a toolbar or ribbon tab). See if you find any and delete them.

To apply true indents to text, use the Paragraph dialog box.

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Stefan Blom
Microsoft Word MVP

Microsoft 365 apps for business
Windows 11 Professional