Where to Find Your Tax ID

Your Tax ID is printed on documents the IRS has already sent you. The fastest way to find it is to look at a past tax return, a W-2 form from your employer, or a 1099 form from a bank or contractor income source. If you have filed taxes before, your Tax ID appears on the first page of your return.

If you do not have any of these documents, you can call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. Have your name, date of birth, and current address ready. The IRS will confirm your Tax ID over the phone. Wait times are shortest early in the morning or in the afternoon on weekdays outside of tax season (January through April).

If you have never filed taxes and do not have a Tax ID yet, you will need to apply for one through the IRS before you can use it. This is a separate process from finding an existing number.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Tax ID appears on any tax return you have filed, on W-2 forms from employers, and on 1099 forms from banks or other income sources.
  • You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your name, date of birth, and address to have them read your Tax ID to you over the phone.
  • If you have never filed taxes, you do not yet have a Tax ID and will need to request one from the IRS first.
  • The IRS website does not have a tool to look up your Tax ID online; you must use a document you already have or call the phone line.

Documents That Show Your Tax ID

The easiest place to find your Tax ID is on a Form 1040 (the main federal tax return form) or any amended return you have filed. It appears in the top right corner of the first page, labeled as your Social Security Number or Employer Identification Number.

If you do not have a tax return, check for a W-2 form from any job you have held. Your employer sends this to you each January for the previous year's wages. Your Tax ID is printed in the upper left section of the form.

Bank statements and investment accounts also generate 1099 forms when you earn interest or investment income. These forms show your Tax ID and are mailed to you by January 31st each year. If you have received any of these forms, your Tax ID will be on them.

Mortgage statements and property tax bills sometimes include your Tax ID as well, though not always. Check the section that lists your identifying information.

Calling the IRS to Confirm Your Tax ID

The IRS phone line at 1-800-829-1040 will confirm your Tax ID without requiring you to visit an office. You will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, and current mailing address. The representative will read your number back to you.

Call during business hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. The line is busiest from January through mid-April (tax season). If you call outside those months, you will typically reach someone within 15 to 30 minutes. During tax season, wait times often exceed one hour.

Have a pen and paper ready to write down your Tax ID when the representative gives it to you. Ask them to spell it out if you are unsure about any digits.

If You Have Never Filed Taxes

If you have never filed a tax return and do not have a Tax ID, you will need to request one from the IRS before you can use it for most purposes. The process depends on whether you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien.

U.S. citizens and resident aliens typically use their Social Security Number as their Tax ID. If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can request one from the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting your local Social Security office. This process takes one to two weeks.

Non-residents and foreign nationals who need a Tax ID can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. You will need to file Form W-7 with the IRS along with proof of identity and foreign status. This process takes four to six weeks by mail.

Tax ID Versus Social Security Number

For most people, the Tax ID and the Social Security Number are the same nine-digit number. The IRS uses your Social Security Number to track your tax records and income.

The only time they differ is if you are a business owner or a non-resident who does not have a Social Security Number. In those cases, you may have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. These are separate numbers issued by the IRS for specific purposes.

If you are unsure which number you need for a particular form or purpose, the IRS phone line can clarify which type of Tax ID applies to your situation.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your Tax ID

If you have looked through your documents and cannot locate your Tax ID, the phone call to the IRS is your most direct option. You do not need to have any documents in front of you — just your name, date of birth, and address.

If you prefer not to call, you can visit an IRS office in person. Find your local office at irs.gov and search for "IRS offices near me." Bring a photo ID and proof of your current address. Wait times at offices are often longer than phone lines, especially during tax season.

Do not guess or use a number you think might be yours. Using an incorrect Tax ID on forms can delay processing and create confusion with the IRS. It is worth the phone call to confirm the correct number.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

For most people, yes. The IRS uses your Social Security Number as your Tax ID. If you are self-employed or a non-resident without a Social Security Number, you may have a different Tax ID like an EIN or ITIN instead. Call the IRS to confirm which one applies to you.

Can I look up my Tax ID online?

The IRS does not offer an online lookup tool for Tax IDs. You must either check a document you already have (tax return, W-2, or 1099) or call 1-800-829-1040. Some third-party tax software may show your Tax ID if you have filed through them before, but the IRS website itself does not have this feature.

How long does it take to get a Tax ID if I do not have one?

If you need a Social Security Number, the Social Security Administration takes one to two weeks. If you need an ITIN (for non-residents), the IRS takes four to six weeks by mail. If you are a U.S. citizen, you likely already have a Social Security Number and can use that as your Tax ID immediately.

What if I lost my Social Security card but know my number?

You do not need the physical card to use your Tax ID. Your number is what matters for tax forms and IRS purposes. If you need a replacement card, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, but you can file taxes and provide your Tax ID without it.

Can someone else call the IRS to get my Tax ID?

No. The IRS will only provide your Tax ID to you directly. They will not give it to a spouse, family member, or representative over the phone without your written authorization. If you need someone else to handle your taxes, you can sign a power of attorney form (Form 2848) to authorize them.