Where to find your tax ID if you already have one

Your tax ID is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to you. If you have already received one, it appears on several documents you likely have at home right now. Check your Social Security card — if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, your Social Security number is your tax ID. If you are not a citizen but work in the U.S., you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, which looks like a Social Security number but starts with 9.

Other places your tax ID appears: your last tax return (top of the first page), W-2 forms from employers, 1099 forms from clients or banks, and any correspondence from the IRS. If you filed taxes last year, the easiest route is to pull up that return or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and give them your name and address — they will read it to you over the phone.

If you have a filing history with the IRS, you can also create an account at IRS.gov and log in to view your tax records. The IRS transcript tool there shows your tax ID along with your filing history.

Getting a tax ID if you do not have one yet

If you have never had a tax ID, the process depends on whether you are a U.S. citizen. Citizens and permanent residents receive a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration, not the IRS. You apply for a Social Security number at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov. You will need a birth certificate, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, and a photo ID. Processing takes two to four weeks.

If you are not a citizen but need to work or file taxes in the U.S., you apply for an ITIN directly from the IRS. You submit Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) along with your passport or national ID and proof of residency. You can mail the form to the IRS address listed on the form itself, or take it in person to a participating IRS office or tax clinic. The IRS processes ITIN applications in four to six weeks if you mail them, or sometimes faster if you apply in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.

Key Takeaways

  • Your tax ID is either your Social Security number (if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident) or your ITIN (if you are a noncitizen worker), and it appears on your tax returns, W-2s, and any IRS mail.
  • If you already filed taxes, the fastest way to find your tax ID is to look at last year's return or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your name and address.
  • To get a Social Security number, apply at your local Social Security office or ssa.gov with a birth certificate and proof of citizenship.
  • To get an ITIN, submit Form W-7 to the IRS by mail or in person at an IRS office, along with your passport and proof of residency.

What documents you need to prove your tax ID

If you need to show your tax ID to an employer, bank, or government agency, you do not always need the original document. A photocopy of your Social Security card works for most purposes. Some employers and banks will accept a tax return or W-2 that shows your tax ID instead.

If you have lost your Social Security card and need a replacement, the Social Security Administration will issue one free of charge. Go to your local Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of citizenship or permanent residency. Replacement cards arrive in one to two weeks. You can also request a replacement online at ssa.gov if you have a my Social Security account set up.

Tax ID versus other identification numbers

Your tax ID is not the same as your driver's license number, passport number, or state ID number. Employers and financial institutions ask for your tax ID specifically because it is how the IRS tracks your income and tax history. Your state may also assign you a separate state tax ID for state income tax purposes, but this is different from your federal tax ID.

If an organization asks for your "tax ID" or "TIN" (Taxpayer Identification Number), they are asking for your Social Security number or ITIN. If they ask for your "EIN" (Employer Identification Number), that is a different nine-digit number used only by businesses and nonprofits, not individuals.

What to do if you cannot locate your tax ID

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your name, date of birth, and current address ready. The IRS representative will verify your identity and read your tax ID to you. This call is free and usually takes fewer than 10 minutes if you reach someone during a less busy time (early morning or late afternoon tend to be faster).

If you prefer not to call, you can visit an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center in person. Find the nearest one at IRS.gov by entering your zip code. Bring a photo ID and proof of address. No appointment is needed at most locations, but wait times vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my tax ID number over the phone or email?

Be cautious. Never give your tax ID to someone who calls you claiming to be from the IRS — the IRS initiates contact by mail, not phone. If a legitimate organization like your bank or employer asks for it over the phone, you can provide it, but verify you are calling the official number first by looking it up independently.

What if I have multiple tax IDs?

Most people have only one tax ID for life. If you have a Social Security number and also applied for an ITIN, the IRS may have both on file, but you use only one when filing taxes — usually your Social Security number if you have one. Contact the IRS if you think you have duplicate numbers; they can consolidate your records.

Do I need a tax ID to open a bank account?

Banks require a tax ID for most accounts. If you do not have one yet, you can apply for a Social Security number or ITIN before opening the account. Some banks will hold an account open temporarily while you obtain your tax ID, but this varies by bank.

How long does it take to get a new tax ID?

A Social Security number takes two to four weeks from the Social Security Administration. An ITIN takes four to six weeks by mail or sometimes faster in person at an IRS office. If you need the number urgently, applying in person at an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center is usually faster than mailing the form.