Is IRS number same as SSN?

Asked by: Adam Cronin  |  Last update: January 29, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (6 votes)

It is issued either by the Social Security Administration (SSA) or by the IRS. A Social Security number (SSN) is issued by the SSA whereas all other TINs are issued by the IRS.

What is the IRS identity number?

An ITIN is a 9-digit number the IRS issues if you need a U.S. taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes, but you aren't eligible for a Social Security number (SSN).

Is my tax ID number my SSN?

A Social Security number (SSN) is a taxpayer identification number issued by the Social Security Administration. Individuals who are employed in the U.S. must have a Social Security number to file an income tax return. Your Social Security number does not expire.

What is the IRS number for Social Security?

When you file your return, check that both your name and SSN agree with your Social Security card to prevent any delays in processing your return and issuing any refunds. Report any change to the Social Security Administration by visiting their website or calling them at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778).

Can I use my SSN as my federal tax ID number?

What IRS Says About EINs. The IRS states that: A sole proprietor without employees and who doesn't file any excise or pension plan tax returns doesn't need an EIN (but can get one). In this instance, the sole proprietor uses his or her social security number (instead of an EIN) as the taxpayer identification number.

Is a Tax Identification Number the Same as an SSN? - CountyOffice.org

29 related questions found

Is federal tax ID same as Social Security?

U.S. taxpayer identification numbers include a Social Security Number (SSN), which is issued to individuals, and an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is issued to individuals or entities.

How do I find my tax ID number?

Find a previously filed tax return for your existing entity (if you have filed a return) for which you have your lost or misplaced EIN. Your previously filed return should be notated with your EIN. Ask the IRS to search for your EIN by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.

How do I get my IRS number?

There are 3 ways you can apply for an ITIN number:
  1. Fill out Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and submit it with your tax return.
  2. Contact an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent.
  3. Make an appointment with the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Is tin the same as SSN?

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a nine-digit number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify taxpayers. Also known as a taxpayer identification number, one type of TIN includes Social Security numbers (SSNs) issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What is the IRS form for SSN?

To apply for an SSN, use Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, that you can get from your local Social Security Administration office or get this form online at www.SSA.gov/forms. You may also get this form by calling 800-772-1213.

Can I have both SSN and ITIN?

By law, a person cannot have both an ITIN and SSN.

ITIN is for tax purposes only; it does not authorize work and cannot be used as an identification number or for any purpose outside the tax system.

How do I check my tax on SSN?

Social Security Statement
  1. Your Social Security Statement (Statement) is available to view online by opening a my Social Security account. ...
  2. For workers age 60 and older who do not have a my Social Security account, we currently mail Social Security Statements three months prior to your birthday.

What is the IRS employer identification number?

An employer identification number (EIN) is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS. It's used to identify the tax accounts of employers and certain others who have no employees. The IRS uses the number to identify taxpayers who are required to file various business tax returns.

What is the IRS numbers?

You can call 1-800-829-1040 to get answers to your federal tax questions 24 hours a day. Tax forms and instructions for current and prior years are available by calling 1-800-829-3676. You can also order free publications on a wide variety of tax topics.

What does an IRS ID look like?

All valid ITINs are a nine-digit number in the same format as the SSN (9XX-8X-XXXX), begins with a “9” and the 4th and 5th digits range from 50 to 65, 70 to 88, 90 to 92, and 94 to 99.

How do I get my IRS personal identification number?

Once an IPPIN is issued, it must be on both electronic and paper returns. To get an IP PIN, taxpayers should create or log into their online account at IRS.gov and follow the steps for identity verification. Once verified, taxpayers need to click on the profile tab to request their IP PIN.

Is my tax ID number my social security number?

General. What is a Taxpayer Identification Number? A1: A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is a nine-digit number, which is either an Employer Identification Number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or a Social Security number assigned by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What is the 9 digit Social Security number?

The nine-digit SSN is composed of three parts: The first set of three digits is called the Area Number. The second set of two digits is called the Group Number. The final set of four digits is the Serial Number.

Can an EIN and SSN be the same number?

We have a customer with a SSN and an estate account with the same EIN. Answer: Although the IRS has said that social security numbers and EINs won't overlap, I have personally seen that it can happen.

What is the 6 digit IRS number?

An identity protection PIN (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS.

How do I find my IRS information?

Taxpayers can also visit IRS.gov to use many other self-service tools and helpful resources. These include “Where's My Refund?” and the IRS2Go app. These are the best ways for taxpayers to check the status of their tax refund. These tools are updated no more than once a day, so taxpayers don't need to check more often.

What is the original number for the IRS?

800-829-1040 (individuals) 800-829-4933 (businesses) The phone number on the most recent notice you may have received.

What is the TIN ID number?

The TIN is a system-generated reference index number issued and assigned by the BIR to each and every person registered in its database. It contains key information necessary for computer processing and information generation. In 1998, the BIR introduced the Integrated Tax System (ITS) and issued TIN using this system.

Are tax ID and EIN the same?

Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your federal tax ID. You need it to pay federal taxes, hire employees, open a bank account, and apply for business licenses and permits. It's free to apply for an EIN, and you should do it right after you register your business.

Is my tax ID number on my W2?

Look at Box "a" on your W-2 form if you're employed. This required form includes your Social Security number. If you have a Social Security number, that number is also your federal tax ID number (TIN). If you don't have a Social Security number but you're employed, you have a TIN issued by the IRS.