In this article, you will learn how to find your tax identification number, which is required for filing your income tax return or for invoicing as a business owner (e.g., SSN for individuals or EIN for businesses).

Where can I find my Tax Identification Number?

Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique identifier assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to track your tax obligations. The specific location of your TIN depends on the type of number you are referring to. Here’s where you can find each type of TIN:

  • Social Security Number (SSN): For individuals, your SSN is typically issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and can be found on your Social Security card. Additionally, you can find your SSN on official documents such as your tax returns (e.g., Form 1040), pay stubs, or other government-related paperwork.

  • Employer Identification Number (EIN): Businesses, including corporations, partnerships, and other entities, are assigned an EIN by the IRS. This number is used to identify your business for tax reporting. You can find your EIN on IRS documentation, such as the EIN confirmation letter you received when you first applied, or on your business tax filings like Form 941, Form 1120, or Form 1065. If you have lost your EIN, you can contact the IRS directly for assistance in retrieving it.

  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): This number is assigned to individuals who are required to have a TIN but do not qualify for a Social Security Number. ITINs are issued by the IRS, and you can find it on tax documents like your Form 1040 or other IRS correspondence. If you’ve misplaced your ITIN card or documents, you can contact the IRS for assistance.

If you’re ever unsure where to find your TIN, contacting the IRS or reviewing any IRS-related documents you’ve received throughout the year can help.

Structure of the Tax Identification Number

The structure of a Tax Identification Number (TIN) depends on the type of number assigned. While each type serves the same purpose of identifying taxpayers, the format differs:

  • Social Security Number (SSN): This is a nine-digit number that follows the format XXX-XX-XXXX. It is assigned to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain temporary residents. The SSN serves as the TIN for most individuals.

  • Employer Identification Number (EIN): This nine-digit number is used to identify businesses, corporations, partnerships, and other entities. The format for the EIN is XX-XXXXXXX, and it is required for businesses that pay employees or operate as a corporation or partnership.

  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN): Similar to the SSN, the ITIN is a nine-digit number formatted like XXX-XX-XXXX. It always starts with a 9. The difference is that an ITIN is assigned to individuals who are not eligible for an SSN, such as non-resident aliens or their dependents. It is primarily used for tax purposes.

These identifiers are designed to provide a simple, consistent format to ensure that the IRS can track individuals and entities efficiently for tax reporting and compliance.

What is the difference between SSN, EIN and ITIN?

The SSN (Social Security Number) is issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain temporary residents. It’s used for tax reporting, social security benefits, and identification. It’s required for filing personal taxes, opening bank accounts, and getting a job.

The EIN (Employer Identification Number) is assigned to businesses and entities, such as corporations or partnerships. It’s used for business tax reporting and filing, including employment taxes. The EIN is also needed for business banking and loans.

The ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is for individuals who cannot get an SSN but need to file taxes, such as non-resident aliens. It is used for tax reporting but doesn’t grant work authorization or eligibility for social security benefits.

In summary, the SSN is for individuals, the EIN is for businesses, and the ITIN is for those not eligible for an SSN but needing to file taxes in the U.S.

When do I need to find my Tax Identification Number?

There are several situations where you may need to locate your Tax Identification Number (TIN). It’s important to know when and why you need this number so you can be prepared:

  1. Filing your taxes: Whether you’re an individual or a business, you’ll need to provide your TIN when submitting your tax return. This allows the IRS to match your income and tax obligations to your unique identity. If you’re filing as a self-employed individual, for example, you will use your SSN or ITIN.

  2. Applying for loans or credit: Financial institutions often require your TIN when you apply for loans, mortgages, or other forms of credit. This allows them to assess your financial situation and creditworthiness. For businesses, this means providing your EIN.

  3. Opening a bank account: If you’re opening a personal or business bank account, you’ll likely need to provide your TIN. For personal accounts, it would be your SSN, while business accounts require an EIN.

  4. Government benefits and programs: You may need your TIN when applying for certain government benefits, such as Social Security, Medicare, or unemployment insurance. If you’re applying as an individual, you’ll use your SSN, while businesses might need to use their EIN.

  5. Employment and payroll: Employers are required to have your TIN for payroll reporting purposes. For individuals, this would be your SSN, and businesses must provide an EIN for reporting payroll taxes and other employee-related responsibilities.

  6. Tax withholding and reporting: If you’re working as a contractor or freelancer, your TIN is used for tax withholding purposes. The businesses you work with will ask for your TIN to ensure they are complying with IRS reporting requirements.

In short, you need to find your TIN whenever you are engaging in activities that require tax identification or reporting, such as filing taxes, applying for credit, or receiving government benefits. Keeping your TIN handy ensures that you are always prepared to meet your legal and financial obligations.

Please refer to the legal disclaimer for this article.

Was this article helpful?
Go to Main Menu