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Where can I find my TIN number?

Short answer

Your TIN is printed on the paperwork that came with it. An SSN is on your Social Security card and W-2. An ITIN is on the IRS CP565 letter that assigned it. An EIN is on the IRS notice from when you applied. Past tax returns show it too. If you can't find it, call the agency that issued it.

Checked against 4 official sources
AT

By · Founder of ITIN Club

Updated

Where each TIN is printed

TIN is the umbrella name. Social Security issues SSNs, and the IRS issues every other TIN. Most people have one of these three.

ATINs and PTINs are TINs too, but they're only for pending adoptions and paid tax preparers.
NumberWho issues itWhere to find it
SSNSocial Security AdministrationYour Social Security card, a W-2 from an employer, your past tax returns
ITINIRSThe CP565 notice that assigned it, your past tax returns
EINIRSThe notice the IRS sent when you applied, your business bank, past business tax returns

An ITIN is 9 digits, starts with a 9 and looks like an SSN: NNN-NN-NNNN. You can't have both. Once you get an SSN, stop using the ITIN.

If you lost it

  1. 1

    SSN: ask Social Security

    You may not need a new card if you know the number. A replacement card is free. Start online or call 800-772-1213. It arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days.

  2. 2

    ITIN: call the IRS, don't reapply

    If you can't find your CP565, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 in the US or 267-941-1000 from abroad, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. The number from abroad isn't toll-free.

  3. 3

    EIN: check your records, then call

    Ask the bank that has your business account and check state or local license applications. Still missing? Call the IRS at 800-829-4933, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Ask for Letter 147C if you need written proof.

Free tool

ITIN

SSN, ITIN and EIN format checker

Type a 9-digit number and see if it has the format of an ITIN, SSN or EIN. Runs in your browser, nothing is sent. Format only, not an IRS lookup.

912-70-1234 → ITIN format

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ITIN

ITIN, SSN or EIN: which one do you need?

Answer three questions to see whether you need an SSN, an ITIN, an EIN, or a mix, and where each one comes from.

You need ITIN + EIN

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Want the full picture?

ITIN

ITIN number vs SSN: which taxpayer number you need

ITIN number vs SSN is an IRS tax number versus a Social Security number. See who qualifies, how the digits differ, and which one you should apply for.

Updated 5 min read

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Related questions

Sources

  1. Taxpayer identification numbers (TIN) — IRSirs.gov
  2. Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) — IRSirs.gov
  3. Employer identification number — IRSirs.gov
  4. Replace your Social Security card — SSAssa.gov

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