Guide

Tax Identification Number (TIN) Gui Guide

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is the umbrella term for all US tax IDs: EIN, SSN, ITIN, PTIN, and ATIN. Learn what each type is and when you need it.

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is the umbrella term for all US tax identification numbers. TIN includes: EIN (businesses), SSN (US citizens), ITIN (non-residents without SSN), PTIN (tax preparers), and ATIN (adopted children). When a form asks for your TIN, provide whichever number matches your situation.

Types

Types of Tax ID Numbers

| Type | Full Name | For | Format | |------|-----------|-----|--------| | EIN | Employer Identification Number | Businesses | XX-XXXXXXX | | SSN | Social Security Number | US citizens/residents | XXX-XX-XXXX | | ITIN | Individual Taxpayer ID | Non-residents | 9XX-XX-XXXX | | PTIN | Preparer Tax ID | Tax preparers | P + 8 digits | | ATIN | Adoption Taxpayer ID | Adopted children | 9XX-XX-XXXX |

Which One

Which TIN Do You Need?

| Situation | TIN Type | |-----------|----------| | US business entity | EIN | | US citizen (personal) | SSN | | Non-resident (personal) | ITIN | | Tax return preparer | PTIN | | Adopted child pending SSN | ATIN |

Related Guides

Apply for your EIN — $49

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a TIN?

A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is the umbrella term for all US tax IDs including EIN, SSN, ITIN, PTIN, and ATIN.

Is TIN the same as EIN?

TIN is a broad category. EIN is one type of TIN. When a form asks for TIN, provide your EIN (business) or SSN/ITIN (personal).

How do I get a TIN?

Depends on type: EIN via Form SS-4, SSN via Form SS-5, ITIN via Form W-7, PTIN via irs.gov/ptin.

Is TIN the same as SSN?

SSN is one type of TIN. TIN is the umbrella term that includes SSN, EIN, ITIN, and others.

Do non-residents need a TIN?

Non-residents need an ITIN (personal) and/or EIN (business) depending on their US tax obligations.

Need an EIN? We Handle Everything.

Non-US resident? We file Form SS-4 with the IRS and deliver your EIN by email. Just $49.

Get My EIN for $49