First 100 join freeJoin →

Skip to content

Where can I get my Tax ID?

Short answer

Your Tax ID comes from the agency that issues it. Ask Social Security for an SSN if you're a citizen or allowed to work in the US. File IRS Form W-7 for an ITIN if you can't get an SSN but have a tax reason. A business gets an EIN from the IRS. SSNs and EINs are free.

Checked against 4 official sources
AT

By · Founder of ITIN Club

Updated

Which Tax ID to get, and where

"Tax ID" can mean three different numbers. Which one you get depends on who you are, not on what you want it for.

Already have one and can't find it? See where your TIN is printed instead.
NumberWho it's forWhere to applyCost and time
SSNUS citizens, and noncitizens who work, attend school or have a valid nonwork reasonStart online, then bring your documents to a Social Security officeFree. The card arrives by mail in 5 to 10 business days after approval
ITINPeople with a federal tax reason who can't get an SSNForm W-7 by mail, at an IRS office by appointment, or through an acceptance agentAllow 7 weeks, or up to 11 weeks from January 15 to April 30 or from abroad
EINBusinesses, trusts and estatesThe IRS online tool if the business is in the US. Otherwise phone, fax or mailFree. Online, it's issued right away if approved

How to apply, in order

  1. 1

    Check if you can get an SSN

    If you can, that's your Tax ID. Don't apply for an ITIN: you can't hold both, and the IRS voids the ITIN once you get an SSN.

  2. 2

    If not, file Form W-7 with your tax return

    Send the W-7 with your federal tax return and original identity documents, or copies certified by the agency that issued them. Notarized copies aren't accepted. A passport alone covers identity and foreign status. The IRS doesn't issue an ITIN just to open a bank account or start a business.

  3. 3

    For a business, form it first, then get the EIN

    Register your LLC or corporation with the state before you apply. The online tool needs the owner's SSN or ITIN and has to be finished in one session. International applicants call 267-941-1099.

Lost a number you already have? See where to find your TIN.

Free tool

Taxes

Resident or nonresident alien for taxes?

Find your US tax status with the green card test and the substantial presence test, and which return the IRS points you to: Form 1040 or 1040-NR.

220 counted days → resident

Try it →
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

Try it →

Want the full picture?

ITIN

ITIN: what it is and how to get one as a foreigner

What an ITIN is, how it differs from an SSN, who needs one, and how to apply with Form W-7 from the US or abroad, with documents and wait times.

Updated 7 min read

Read guide →

Related questions

Sources

  1. Request a Social Security number for the first time — SSAssa.gov
  2. Topic no. 857, Individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) — IRSirs.gov
  3. Get an employer identification number — IRSirs.gov
  4. Taxpayer identification numbers (TIN) — IRSirs.gov

Join ITIN Club — it's free

Ask members who've already done it, follow the first-year course step by step, and message other members directly. No SSN needed.

Founding 100