Your Tax ID is on documents you already have or can request from the IRS
Your Tax ID (also called an EIN, ITIN, or SSN depending on your situation) appears on tax forms you've filed, W-2s from employers, bank statements, and loan documents. If you've filed taxes before, look at a copy of your last return — your Tax ID is printed at the top. If you can't find it in your records, you can contact the IRS directly or request a transcript that shows it.
The type of Tax ID you have depends on whether you're a U.S. citizen, a resident alien, a business owner, or a nonprofit. Each type has a different number and a different way to look it up. This guide walks you through finding each one.
Key Takeaways
- If you filed taxes in the past, your Tax ID is on that return, on any W-2 from an employer, or on bank and loan statements.
- U.S. citizens and resident aliens use their Social Security Number as a Tax ID; nonresident aliens and businesses use an ITIN or EIN instead.
- You can request a transcript from the IRS that shows your Tax ID by calling 1-800-829-1040 or using the IRS website at irs.gov.
- If you've never filed taxes and need a Tax ID, you must apply for one through the IRS — the process depends on whether you're a citizen or a business.
Check documents you already have at home
Start by looking for any tax form or financial document you've kept. Your Tax ID appears on:
- A copy of your federal tax return (Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, or 1040-NR-EZ)
- A W-2 from any job you've held
- A 1099 form (for freelance or contract work)
- Bank statements or savings account paperwork
- Mortgage or loan documents
- A Social Security card (if your Tax ID is your SSN)
If you have any of these, your Tax ID is printed on it. For a Social Security Number, it's the nine-digit number on your card. For an EIN (Employer Identification Number), it's a nine-digit number formatted as XX-XXXXXXX. For an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number), it's also nine digits, formatted as 9XX-XX-XXXX.
Request a transcript from the IRS if you can't find your number
If you've filed taxes before but don't have a copy of your return, the IRS can send you a transcript that includes your Tax ID. You have three ways to request one:
By phone: Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your name, address, date of birth, and filing status ready. The IRS will mail a transcript to the address on file, which usually takes 5 to 10 business days.
Online: Go to irs.gov and use the "Get Transcript" tool. You'll need to create or log into an IRS online account. This method is fastest — you can view and download your transcript immediately.
By mail: Complete Form 4506-C (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) or Form 4506T-Z (Request for Transcript of Tax Return) and mail it to the IRS address for your state. This takes 2 to 4 weeks. You can find the form and mailing address on irs.gov.
Understand which Tax ID you should have
Not everyone has the same type of Tax ID. Your situation determines which one applies to you:
| Your Situation | Your Tax ID Type | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. citizen or resident alien with a job or income | Social Security Number (SSN) | 9 digits: XXX-XX-XXXX |
| Nonresident alien or foreign national who needs to file taxes | Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) | 9 digits: 9XX-XX-XXXX (always starts with 9) |
| Business owner, partnership, or nonprofit organization | Employer Identification Number (EIN) | 9 digits: XX-XXXXXXX |
| Sole proprietor (self-employed, no employees) | Usually your SSN, but can use an EIN | SSN or EIN format |
If you're unsure which type you need, think about your tax filing status. If you've filed a personal tax return in the past, you already have a Tax ID — you just need to find it. If you've never filed and need one, the next section explains how to get one.
Get a new Tax ID if you've never had one
If you've never filed taxes and don't have a Tax ID, you must request one from the IRS. The process depends on what type you need.
For a Social Security Number: You must apply through the Social Security Administration, not the IRS. Go to ssa.gov or visit your local Social Security office in person. You'll need proof of citizenship or lawful residency, proof of age, and proof of identity. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks.
For an ITIN (if you're a nonresident alien or foreign national): File Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) with the IRS. You can mail it or file it with your tax return. You'll need proof of identity and proof of foreign status. The IRS will mail your ITIN to you, which takes 4 to 6 weeks. Some tax preparers can help you file Form W-7.
For an EIN (if you own a business or nonprofit): Apply online at irs.gov using the EIN Assistant tool, or call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Online applications are processed immediately and you receive your EIN the same day. By phone, you get it within minutes. By mail (Form SS-4), it takes 4 weeks.
What to do if the IRS says it has no record of your Tax ID
Sometimes the IRS cannot find a record of your Tax ID even though you believe you have one. This usually happens if you filed taxes a very long time ago, if there's a spelling error in your name on file, or if you're looking up an ITIN or EIN that was never actually issued.
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your name, date of birth, and the address where you filed taxes. An IRS representative can search their records and tell you whether a Tax ID was ever issued to you. If one was issued but the IRS cannot find it, ask for a manual search. If no Tax ID was ever issued, you'll need to apply for one using the steps in the section above.
If you're looking for a business EIN that you believe you obtained years ago, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Have your business name and the year you think you applied ready. The IRS can search by business name and tell you whether an EIN was issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Tax ID the same as my Social Security Number?
For most people, yes. If you're a U.S. citizen or resident alien, your Social Security Number is your Tax ID. If you're a nonresident alien, a business owner, or a nonprofit, you have a different Tax ID (ITIN or EIN) instead.
Can I look up someone else's Tax ID?
No. Tax IDs are private information. The IRS will only provide a Tax ID to the person it belongs to or to an authorized representative with a power of attorney. If you need someone's Tax ID for a business reason, you must ask them directly.
What if I lost my Social Security card but remember my number?
Your number is your Tax ID — you don't need the card itself to file taxes or use your Tax ID. If you want a replacement card, contact the Social Security Administration at ssa.gov or visit a local office. But for tax purposes, knowing the number is enough.
How long does it take to get a new Tax ID?
It depends on the type and how you apply. Online EIN applications are instant. Phone applications take minutes. By mail, SSN takes 2 to 4 weeks, ITIN takes 4 to 6 weeks, and EIN takes 4 weeks. If you file your tax return with a Form W-7 for an ITIN, the IRS processes both at the same time.
Do I need a Tax ID if I don't have a job?
Only if you have income that must be reported to the IRS — such as self-employment income, rental income, or investment income. If you have no income and no one claims you as a dependent, you don't need a Tax ID. If you're unsure, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.