The federal tax ID number (TIN) is a number that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses to identify people and businesses. Lots of different types of TINs exist, such as the famous social security number (SSN), and also the employer identification number (EIN) or the individual tax identification number (ITIN). Both the IRS and the Social Security Administration (SSA) can issue these numbers. Below are some tips on how to find a federal tax ID number.
Some Suggestions on How to Find a Federal Tax ID Number:
1. Find out what kind of TIN you want to know, such as your SSN, your EIN, your ITIN, your adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN), or your preparer tax identification number (PTIN).
2. Find the document that you actually need, which should be on an official document or on a card. You should have received this when your number was issued as well. Your SSN, for instance, will be on the front of your social security card. It is possible that you have a digital copy of the number, so make sure you check any emails or other confirmations you have received about this number. If so, it will have been provided through a secure link. Should you no longer have the email, then you will have to contact the IRS or the SSA and request a new one.
3. Check out your old tax documents. When you did a tax return in the past, for instance, you will have had to list those numbers. Hence, go through your own administration to see if it is there. If your taxes are done by someone else they should have the numbers or should be able to locate them for you.
4. If you have lost your ITIN, you should be able to speak to your employer or educational institution about getting a copy. An ITIN is a number given to non-US residents who are not able to get an SSN. If you have been given an ITIN, you must also have completed IRS form W-7, which will have gone through an Acceptance Agency, or you may have taken it straight to the IRS itself. Should you have lost IRS form W-7, then you need to contact the IRS or your educational institution or employer for a copy.
5. If you have lost your ATIN, you need to contact the IRS directly. An ATIN is a temporary number that is valid for two years only. If you have lost it, or it has expired, the IRS will provide you with a new one. You should be able to do this over the telephone.
6. Make sure your PTIN is renewed as and when needed. If you want to work as a tax preparer, you need a PTIN. If you do not have one, you are acting outside of the law, which can result in a significant fine. The cost of PTIN renewal is $50 and it can be done online in no more than 15 minutes.
Now you know how to find a federal tax ID number, you should be ready to locate your own.