How to set up tax id number

When you file your tax return or need to talk to the IRS, you’ll likely have to provide a tax identification number, which is also called a TIN or tax ID number. Here’s what a tax ID number is and how to apply for one.

A tax identification number, or TIN, is a unique nine-digit number that identifies you to the IRS. It's required on your tax return and requested in other IRS interactions. Social Security numbers are the most popular tax ID numbers, but four other kinds are popular too: the ITIN, EIN, ATIN and PTIN.

Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)

What it is: An individual taxpayer identification number, or ITIN, is a nine-digit tax ID number for nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses and their dependents who cannot get a Social Security number. The IRS issues the ITIN.

How to get an ITIN: To get an ITIN, fill out IRS Form W-7. You must prove your foreign/alien status and identity. Also, you must supply a federal income tax return to your Form W-7 (there are some exceptions; the instructions to the W-7 have the details). Organizations called “acceptance agents” have IRS authorization to help people get ITINs.

  • ITINs always begin with the number 9.

  • Expirations: Any individual tax ID number not used on a tax return at least once for tax years 2018, 2019 or 2020 expired at the end of 2021. ITINs with middle digits containing 70 through 88, and 90 through 99 (if assigned before 2013), have also expired. [0]

Employer identification number (EIN)

What it is: An employer identification number, or EIN, is a tax ID number for businesses that have employees; are corporations or partnerships; withhold taxes on income paid to nonresident aliens; have Keogh plans; are involved with certain types of organizations; or file employment, excise, or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms tax returns. The principal business must be in the United States or a U.S. territory, and the person applying for the EIN (it must be an individual, not an entity) must already have a Social Security number, ITIN or other EIN. The IRS may require an estate or trust to get an EIN.

How to get an EIN: You can apply for this tax ID number online with the IRS. You can also fill out IRS Form SS-4 and fax it or mail it to the IRS. International applicants can call 1-267-941-1099 to get an EIN.

Note: Your business may also need a separate state employer ID number.

Adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN)

What it is: An adoption taxpayer identification number, or ATIN, is a temporary, nine-digit tax ID number the IRS gives to people who are in the process of adopting a child. The IRS provides the number if the adopting parents cannot get a Social Security number for the child in time to file their tax return. The number identifies the child, not the parent, and is needed for the parent to claim the child as a dependent.

How to get an ATIN: To get an ATIN, file IRS Form W-7A. You’ll need to attach a copy of the placement documentation. The child must be legally placed in your home for adoption. If you’re adopting a child from another country, you can still get an ATIN, but there are more rules (see the details here).

  • You cannot claim the earned income tax credit with this tax ID number (you can only use a Social Security number to do that).

  • It takes four to eight weeks to get an ATIN once the IRS gets your Form W-7A, so ask for it well before your tax return is due.

  • Unless you notify the IRS that the adoption is still pending, the IRS will automatically deactivate an ATIN after two years.

Preparer tax identification number (PTIN)

What it is: A PTIN is a preparer tax identification number. The IRS requires anyone who prepares or assists in preparing federal tax returns for compensation to have a PTIN. Tax preparers must put their PTIN numbers on clients’ tax returns.

How to get a PTIN: Preparers can get PTINs from the IRS online in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, they can fill out and mail IRS Form W-12. That method takes about four to six weeks.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of US businesses suddenly lost their revenue streams. But for those business owners who had filed accurate and timely tax returns, there was a source of relief. The Small Business Administration created the Paycheck Protection Program, which provided struggling businesses with low-interest loans and a generous loan forgiveness plan. However, to apply for the program’s benefits, businesses needed to have a tax identification number.

In fact, any time an individual or business deals with the IRS, they need to have their tax ID number handy—be it a Social Security number (SSN) or a federal employer identification number (EIN). Businesses also typically provide their tax ID numbers when dealing with other businesses, such as when remitting invoices or purchasing goods wholesale without sales tax. In the United States, there’s not one type of tax ID number to rule them all, however, so having a grasp on the different kinds of tax ID numbers and uses for each is crucial so you can be sure you’ve got the right one.

What is a tax ID number?

A tax identification number (tax ID) is a unique number provided by a government to individuals or business entities that pay taxes. It helps governments keep track of who has paid taxes and how much they owe. Most countries have some form of a taxpayer identification number. In the US, there are several different types of tax ID numbers. Sometimes, tax ID numbers can also be used to identify businesses or individuals for non-tax purposes, such as opening a bank account or applying for credit.

Tax ID or federal employer identification numbers (EIN) are also essential for claiming benefits and tax credits, like the PPP loans during the pandemic or Social Security benefits. Properly registering your business and filing a tax return can help protect your business by making it eligible for government assistance during hard times.

Types of tax ID numbers

  • Social Security number
  • Individual taxpayer identification number
  • Federal employer tax identification number (EIN or EITN)
  • Adoption tax identification number (ATIN)
  • Preparer tax identification number (PTIN)

The type of tax ID number that you need depends on many variables. Different types of businesses, individuals, and tax professionals all need distinct tax ID numbers.

Social Security number

Most permanent residents and all US citizens are issued a Social Security number (SSN)—a nine-digit number that was created to keep track of individuals’ Social Security accounts. The initial purpose of this number was to let individuals know how much they paid into Social Security, a program that provides disability, retirement, and survivor’s benefits. The number has since evolved to become an individual taxpayer identification number as well.

Employers and the Internal Revenue Service use the number to identify individual workers in the US and track whether each person has paid their share of taxes. Social Security numbers are also necessary for claiming benefits from the government, such as unemployment insurance and stimulus checks.

Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)

For individuals who are not eligible for Social Security, the IRS will issue a taxpayer identification number. This number is often assigned to immigrants who are not permanent US residents. Permanent residents who are not eligible for a Social Security number also can receive an ITIN. The number is nine digits long and always begins with the number nine.

Federal employer tax identification number (EIN or EITN)

The IRS grants businesses unique nine-digit numbers for tax identification purposes. The EIN is also used to identify a business when applying for credit or opening a bank account. Any type of business can apply for a federal employer identification number, ranging from sole proprietorships to corporations.

Adoption tax identification number (ATIN)

The adoption tax identification number is a temporary number used by parents filing taxes with newly adopted children. This number is usually used when the parents or parent must file taxes before a Social Security number has been issued for the child.

Preparer tax identification number (PTIN)

When a tax preparer is paid to help a business or individual file a federal income tax return, that person must also have a unique tax identification number. To receive a PTIN, the preparer must pay a fee of $30.75 to the IRS and spend about 15 minutes filling out an online form.

Do you need a tax ID number?

Almost all types of businesses need a tax ID number, but the IRS does list some exceptions. If a business has no employees, does not operate as a corporation or partnership, does not pay excise taxes, and meets several other requirements listed on the IRS website, it may not need a tax ID number. This most likely would be limited to tax-exempt sole proprietors with little to no income. 

However, even if your business is not legally obligated to have a tax ID number, a tax ID is still necessary for obtaining a bank account. Not having a tax ID number can also prevent you from collecting benefits issued by government agencies.

How to get an employer tax ID number

Businesses can obtain a federal employer tax identification number online on the IRS website, via fax, by mail, or by telephone. If applying by fax, mail, or phone, the applicant must fill out IRS form SS-4, which is one page long and asks for details about the business’s structure, employees, and demographics.

If applying online, the applicant will submit the same information and receive an EIN immediately. 

If applying by fax, the EIN will be delivered in about one week. If applying by mail, it will take between four and five weeks. The IRS does not provide information about the length of time to receive an EIN if applying by phone.

Tax ID numbers FAQ

Is tax ID the same as SSN?

A Social Security number, or SSN, is a type of tax ID. However, there are other types of tax identification as well, including employer identification numbers and preparer identification numbers.

Can you use your SSN as a tax ID?

Yes, you can use your SSN as a form of tax identification. However, if you are the owner of a business, you may need to apply for an employer identification number to pay taxes on business income.

Can a tax ID number be 10 digits?

In the US, all tax ID numbers have nine digits. In other countries, this is not necessarily the case.

Where can I find my US tax ID number?

Your tax ID number can be found on previous tax returns and any other forms filed with the IRS. If you are using your SSN as a form of tax identification, it can be found on your Social Security card.

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How do I get a tax ID UK?

The UTR may be found on the front page of the tax return (form SA100 or CT600) as shown in the example below: The UTR may also be found on a “Notice to complete Tax Return” (form SA316 or CT603) or a Statement of Account.

How to get a TIN Singapore?

The TIN for a Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident of Singapore is printed on the NRIC. The TIN for a Foreign Individual who works/resides in Singapore is printed on the Work Pass or Immigration Pass.

What is Singapore tax identification number?

A Singapore Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a nine or ten-digit number assigned to citizens and businesses by the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) for taxation purposes. The TIN is unique to each taxpayer and is used for filing taxes, registering for tax schemes, and other government transactions.

Do you need a TIN in Singapore?

It Is Required For Filing Taxes As an individual or a business, when filing your taxes for a financial year with the Inland Revenue Services of Singapore, you must furnish your TIN to access your tax-filing page.