What is a Taxpayer Identification Number?
A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is an identification number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the administration of United States tax laws.
It is issued either by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by the IRS.
A Social Security number (SSN) is issued by the SSA; all other TINs are issued by the IRS.
Different kinds of TIN's:
- Social Security Number "SSN"
- Employer Identification Number "EIN"
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number "ITIN"
- Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions "ATIN"
- Preparer Taxpayer Identification Number "PTIN"
Note: The temporary IRS Numbers previously assigned are no longer valid.
What is an Employer Identification Number? What is it for?
An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, is used to identify a business entity. It can also be referred to as a Federal Tax Identification Number.
To learn more about what an EIN is click on this link: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-se...
*** You must check with your state if you need a state number or charter. An EIN is not for the individual states. ***
There is a publication for EIN's which is
There are several ways to get your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Online (This is a free service and you will get the EIN immediately)
- Fax (Will take 4 to 6 business days to get your EIN)
- Mail (Will take between 2 to 4 weeks to get in the mail.)
- Phone (Not available for domestic EIN’s, this option is only for Foreign EIN's, explained later in the lesson.)
The Official Website for the IRS is www.irs.gov
- Make sure that you type this into the address bar on your computer.
***Important Note: If you get to the end of the application and it asks for money, you are not on the right site. Exit immediately and type in the correct address in the address bar.***
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