Where to Find Your Federal Tax ID Number

Your Federal Tax ID is on documents you already have

Your Federal Tax ID — also called an EIN (Employer Identification Number) or SSN (Social Security Number) — appears on tax forms, bank statements, and employer records you receive regularly. You do not need to request it; you need to locate it in paperwork you already own.

If you are an individual filing taxes, your Federal Tax ID is your Social Security Number. If you own a business, have a nonprofit, or file as a partnership or corporation, your Federal Tax ID is a separate nine-digit number issued by the IRS. The fastest way to find it is to check documents from your employer, bank, or previous tax filings.

Key Takeaways

Your Social Security Number is your Federal Tax ID if you file taxes as an individual; it appears on your Social Security card and tax documents.
If you own a business or nonprofit, your EIN is a separate nine-digit number that appears on IRS correspondence, business bank statements, and your Form SS-4.
Common places to find your Federal Tax ID are W-2 forms from employers, 1099 forms from clients or banks, prior year tax returns, and IRS letters.
If you cannot locate it in existing documents, you can contact the IRS directly by phone or check your online IRS account through IRS.gov.

Where to look first: documents you receive from employers and banks

Your most recent W-2 form from an employer shows your Social Security Number in the top left corner. If you are self-employed or a contractor, look for 1099 forms (1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, or 1099-K) from clients or payment processors — these also display your SSN or EIN depending on how you filed.

Bank statements and investment account statements list your Social Security Number or EIN near the account holder information, usually on the first page. If you have a business checking account, the EIN appears on monthly statements and on any IRS correspondence the bank has forwarded to you.

Mortgage statements, property tax bills, and loan documents also contain your Social Security Number. If you filed taxes in prior years, your tax return itself — whether filed electronically or on paper — shows your SSN or EIN at the top.

IRS documents and correspondence

Any letter or notice from the IRS displays your Social Security Number or EIN prominently. These include tax notices, refund letters, or correspondence about an audit or payment plan. If you received an EIN Assignment Notice (Form SS-4 confirmation) when you started a business, that letter contains your nine-digit EIN.

Check your filing cabinet, email, or online accounts where you store important documents. The IRS typically mails notices to the address on file, so look through mail from the past three to five years. If you cannot find the original notice, the IRS can resend it or you can look it up through your online account.

Checking your IRS online account

You can view your Social Security Number or EIN through IRS.gov if you create an account. Go to IRS.gov, select "Sign in" or "Create an account," and follow the steps to verify your identity. Once logged in, you can view your tax records, which display your Federal Tax ID.

Identity verification usually requires a photo ID and answers to security questions based on your credit history. The process takes a few minutes. If you have trouble creating an account, the IRS offers alternative verification methods, including using a tax professional's PIN or submitting documents by mail.

Contacting the IRS by phone

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 address ready. The IRS representative can confirm your Social Security Number or provide your EIN over the phone.

Wait times are often long, especially during tax season (January through April). If you own a business, you can also call the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Have your business name, address, and the approximate date you received your EIN available when you call.

If you lost your Social Security card

Your Social Security Number does not change if your card is lost or damaged. You can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration by visiting your local Social Security office or going to ssa.gov. You do not need the card itself to file taxes or provide your SSN to employers — the number itself is what matters.

If you need your number before receiving a replacement card, use any of the methods above: check a W-2, bank statement, or prior tax return. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your number, though they may ask security questions to verify your identity.

If you recently started a business and need your EIN

If you applied for an EIN but never received the confirmation letter, check your email for an IRS notice — the agency now sends EIN assignments by email when you apply online. If you applied by phone or mail and did not receive a letter, call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 with your business name and the date you applied.

You can also look up your EIN on the IRS website by entering your business name and address, or by calling the EIN assignment line. Have your Social Security Number and business information ready. The IRS can confirm your EIN was issued and provide the number immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Social Security Number the same as my Federal Tax ID?

Yes, if you file taxes as an individual. Your Social Security Number is your Federal Tax ID for personal tax purposes. If you own a business, nonprofit, or partnership, you have a separate EIN that serves as your Federal Tax ID for that entity.

What if I have both an SSN and an EIN?

You use your Social Security Number for personal tax returns and your EIN for business or nonprofit tax returns. Both are Federal Tax IDs, but they apply to different entities. When filing, use the correct number for the type of return you are submitting.

Can I get a new Federal Tax ID if I lost mine?

You cannot change your Social Security Number or EIN — they are permanent. If your SSN was compromised, contact the Social Security Administration and consider placing a fraud alert with credit bureaus. If your EIN was compromised, contact the IRS and your business bank to monitor for fraud.

How long does it take to receive an EIN by mail?

If you apply for an EIN by mail using Form SS-4, the IRS typically issues the number within four weeks and mails the confirmation letter. Applying online through IRS.gov is faster — you receive your EIN immediately and can print the confirmation on the same day.

Do I need my Federal Tax ID to open a business bank account?

Yes, most banks require an EIN or Social Security Number to open a business account. If you have not yet received your EIN, some banks will accept your SSN temporarily while you wait for the EIN assignment. Once you receive your EIN, update the bank account records.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.