Finding your tax identification number (TIN), also known as your taxpayer identification number, is an important step in filing your taxes, opening a business bank account, and other financial activities. Your TIN is a unique 9-digit number that identifies you with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Here are some quick answers about finding your TIN:
What is a TIN?
A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is a 9-digit number used to identify an individual or business for tax purposes. It is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Your TIN can be either:
- Social Security Number (SSN) – for individuals
- Employer Identification Number (EIN) – for businesses and other entities
Where can I find my SSN TIN?
If you are an individual taxpayer, your TIN is your 9-digit Social Security number (SSN) issued by the Social Security Administration. You can find your SSN on:
- Social Security Card
- W-2 forms from your employer
- 1099 forms for contract work
- Pay stub
- Personal tax return
If you cannot locate your SSN through these documents, you can request a replacement Social Security card by filling out Form SS-5 and submitting it along with the required documentation to the SSA.
Where can I find my EIN TIN?
If you are a business owner or entity, your TIN is your 9-digit Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued by the IRS. You can find your preassigned EIN on:
- IRS Notice CP 575 sent to you after applying for an EIN
- IRS Form SS-4 used to apply for your EIN
- IRS letters and communications addressed to your business EIN
If you cannot locate your EIN, you can search for your business EIN on the IRS website here. You will need information from your last tax return to complete the search. If you still cannot find your EIN, you can apply for a new one using Form SS-4.
How do I apply for a new TIN?
If you cannot locate your existing TIN, you can apply for a new one:
- New SSN – Complete Form SS-5 and submit to SSA. You may need to provide original documentation to prove identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status.
- New EIN – Complete Form SS-4 and submit to the IRS online, by fax or mail. You will need identifying information for your business or entity.
Can I verify my TIN online?
You can verify a TIN online using the IRS TIN Matching tool. This will validate whether a name and TIN combination match IRS records before submitting certain info returns like 1099s. To use this tool, you must register on the IRS website.
What if I suspect TIN fraud or identity theft?
If you suspect you are a victim of TIN fraud or identity theft, take the following steps:
- Contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 right away.
- Complete and submit IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit to the IRS.
- Check your credit report and place a fraud alert on your account.
- Continue to pay your taxes and file your tax return, even if you must use the fraudulent TIN.
How can I protect my TIN?
To keep your TIN safe, be sure to:
- Store your Social Security card in a safe place.
- Only provide your TIN when absolutely necessary.
- Shred documents with your TIN before throwing away.
- Never post your full TIN on social media.
- Protect your data and watch for warning signs of fraud.
Conclusion
Your Taxpayer Identification Number is vital for many financial and tax purposes. Make sure you know your correct TIN and take steps to protect it from fraud or identity theft. If you cannot locate your existing TIN or need to apply for a new one, follow the guidance provided by the IRS and SSA. With the right information, finding and verifying your TIN does not need to be a complicated process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a TIN used for?
Your TIN is used to identify you to federal and state tax authorities and financial institutions. Common uses include:
- Filing tax returns
- Claiming tax deductions
- Opening a bank account
- Applying for loans or mortgages
- Employment and payroll purposes
- Claiming exemptions on your tax return
Should I carry my Social Security card with me?
It is generally not recommended to carry your original Social Security card with you on a regular basis. The risk of losing your card or having your identity stolen outweighs the convenience. Leave your card in a secure place and only take it with you when absolutely necessary for documentation purposes.
What happens if I lost my Social Security card?
If you lose your Social Security card, you should apply for a replacement right away by completing Form SS-5. This form is available online or at your local Social Security office. There is no fee for a replacement card if it is within 1 year since the last one was issued. You may need to provide documents to prove your identity and citizenship when applying.
Can a business have both an EIN and SSN?
Yes, it is possible for a business to have both an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a Social Security Number (SSN). The EIN is used for the business’ tax and employer purposes. The SSN may be used by a sole proprietor or single-member LLC as their personal taxpayer ID for income from self-employment. The EIN and SSN should both be included on applicable tax documents.
Is my TIN the same as my tax return ID?
Yes, your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is your identification number for tax return purposes. Individuals will use their Social Security Number as their tax return ID. Businesses will use their Employer Identification Number (EIN) as their tax return ID. The TIN/tax return ID should be entered on all tax forms and returns filed.
Where can I update my address for my TIN?
To update the address associated with your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), follow these steps:
- For an individual SSN – Contact the Social Security Administration
- For a business EIN – Use Form 8822-B to update IRS records
Be sure to update your address across all agencies and financial institutions that use your TIN.
What happens if someone steals my SSN?
If someone steals your Social Security number, it is considered SSN fraud or identity theft. Immediately contact the SSA Fraud Hotline and IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit. Place a fraud alert and credit freeze on your accounts. Continue filing your taxes normally while this gets resolved. Complete IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit and provide to the IRS. Monitor your credit and financial accounts closely for any suspicious activity.
How long does it take to get an EIN once applied for?
When you apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online, it is assigned immediately once the application is submitted. If you apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4, it can take around 4 business days for processing and for the IRS to mail your EIN confirmation notice.
Can I verify someone’s TIN online?
There is no way to verify someone else’s full Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) online. However, the IRS offers an online TIN Matching tool that can be used to validate whether a name and TIN combination match IRS records before filing certain info returns. This can help identify mismatches due to errors or fraud.
Key Facts and Statistics
- Approximately 95% of TINs issued are Social Security Numbers (SSNs)
- 5% are Employer Identification Numbers (EINs)
- 1 billion total TINs have been issued by the IRS since its inception
- The Social Security Administration issues around 5.5 million new SSNs each year
- SSNs have 9 digits separated by 2 hyphens (XXX-XX-XXXX)
- EINs have 9 digits separated by 1 hyphen (XX-XXXXXXX)
- TIN fraud losses exceed $5 billion per year in lost tax revenue
- Just 4 public places account for over half of all SSN data breaches according to the SSA
- These include the USPS, hospitals, schools, and the military
Here is a table summarizing the key differences between SSNs and EINs:
Type | Social Security Number (SSN) | Employer Identification Number (EIN) |
---|---|---|
Issued to | Individuals | Businesses, trusts, estates |
Purpose | For tax, employment, govt benefits | Business tax and employer ID |
Where to apply | Social Security Administration | Internal Revenue Service |
Application form | SSA-5 | SS-4 |
Format | XXX-XX-XXXX | XX-XXXXXXX |
Obtaining a Replacement TIN
If you need to obtain a replacement TIN, follow these steps:
Replacement SSN
- Confirm you are eligible for a replacement SSN. You typically can only get 3 replacement cards per year and 10 over a lifetime.
- Collect the required documentation like proof of identity, citizenship status, age.
- Complete and submit Form SS-5 to the SSA. This form is available online or at your local SSA office.
- You should receive your new card within 10-14 business days.
- Update this replacement SSN with all relevant agencies and institutions.
Replacement EIN
- Search online or IRS records to confirm you don’t already have an active EIN.
- Complete Form SS-4 providing details on your business.
- Submit the form online, by fax, or mail to the IRS.
- Your EIN confirmation will be provided online or mailed within 4 business days.
- Notify vendors, banks, business partners of your new EIN.
Be sure to keep your replacement TIN documentation in a safe, accessible place to avoid any future issues.
Reporting TIN Fraud, Theft, or Misuse
If you believe you are a victim of TIN fraud, theft, or misuse, it is important to report it immediately to limit damages:
For SSN Issues:
- Contact the SSA OIG Fraud Hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
- File an identity theft report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov.
- Check your credit report and place fraud alerts.
- Continue filing taxes as normal.
- Watch for any suspicious financial activity.
For EIN Issues:
- Call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490.
- Submit IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit.
- Notify banks, vendors, creditors of compromised EIN.
- Apply for a new EIN if needed.
- Request IRS Identity Protection PIN.
The SSA or IRS will investigate and provide specific guidance for your situation. Be proactive and persistent to resolve TIN fraud or theft issues promptly.
Protecting Your TIN
Here are some tips to keep your TIN safe from fraud or misuse:
- Only share your SSN or EIN when absolutely necessary.
- Store physical cards and documents securely.
- Avoid carrying your Social Security card.
- Shred any documents with your TIN before disposal.
- Be cautious when asked for TIN online or over the phone.
- Use secure passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
- Monitor your financial accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
- Be wary of phishing scams requesting personal information.
- Consider enrolling in the IRS IP PIN program if you experience identity theft.
A few prudent precautions can help safeguard your TIN from potential misuse. Be selective about sharing your TIN, and report any suspicious activity related to your identity or accounts right away.