Your Tax ID is on documents you already have

Your Tax ID number — also called an EIN, ITIN, or SSN depending on your situation — appears on tax forms, bank statements, and official letters you receive from the IRS. You do not need to request it or contact anyone. The number was assigned to you when you filed your first tax return, opened a business, or applied for work authorization.

The fastest way to find it is to look at a document you have at home right now. The second fastest is to contact the IRS directly using information they already have on file about you.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Tax ID appears on your most recent tax return, W-2 form, 1099 form, bank statements, and any IRS letter you have received.
  • If you filed taxes last year, check the top right corner of your Form 1040 or the equivalent return you filed — that is your SSN or ITIN.
  • If you cannot find a document, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and have your name, address, and date of birth ready.
  • Business owners should check their EIN assignment letter, which the IRS mailed when you first registered your business.
  • If you have never filed taxes or been assigned a number, you will need to file a return or apply for an ITIN through the IRS first.

Check your tax return and IRS documents first

If you filed a federal tax return in the last few years, your Tax ID is printed on it. Look at Form 1040 (the main individual return), Form 1040-SR (for people 65 and older), or whatever return form you filed. The number appears in the top right corner, labeled "Your social security number" or "ITIN".

You can also find your Tax ID on any W-2 (wage statement from an employer), 1099 (income statement from a client or bank), or letter from the IRS. These documents are usually mailed in January or February each year. If you filed electronically, check your email for a confirmation or receipt — many tax software programs include the number in the confirmation message.

Bank statements sometimes show your Tax ID as well, particularly if you have a savings account or investment account. Look for a nine-digit number on statements from the past year.

Call the IRS if you cannot locate a document

The IRS can tell you your Tax ID over the phone if you can verify your identity. Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your full legal name, current address, and date of birth ready.

The wait time is often long, especially during tax season (January through April). If you reach an agent, they will ask you to confirm your identity and then read your number to you. Write it down immediately. You can also request that they mail a transcript of your account, which will include your Tax ID, though this takes 5 to 10 business days.

If you prefer not to call, you can create an account on IRS.gov and view your tax transcript online. This requires setting up login credentials and verifying your identity through an identity verification service. Once logged in, you can download transcripts that show your Tax ID.

Business owners: find your EIN on your assignment letter

If you own a business, your Tax ID is an Employer Identification Number (EIN), not a Social Security Number. The IRS mailed you an EIN assignment letter (Form SS-4) when you first registered your business. This letter contains your nine-digit EIN and should be in your business records.

If you cannot find the letter, check your business bank account statements or any tax returns you filed for the business. The EIN appears on Form 1120 (corporate return), Form 1065 (partnership return), or Form 1040-C (self-employment return).

You can also search for your EIN on IRS.gov using the EIN lookup tool, or call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Have your business name, address, and the name and Social Security Number of the person who applied for the EIN.

If you have never been assigned a Tax ID

If you have never filed taxes and do not have a Tax ID, you will need to obtain one before you can file. U.S. citizens and permanent residents receive a Social Security Number through the Social Security Administration. Non-citizens with work authorization can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the IRS.

To apply for an ITIN, file Form W-7 with the IRS. You will need to provide proof of identity and proof of residency. The IRS processes ITIN applications and mails the number to you, which typically takes 4 to 6 weeks. You can file Form W-7 by mail or in person at an IRS office or authorized acceptance agent.

If you are self-employed or starting a business, you will need to apply for an EIN separately. You can do this online at IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-4933, or by mailing Form SS-4 to the IRS. Online applications receive an EIN immediately; phone and mail applications take 4 to 6 weeks.

What to do once you have located your number

Once you find your Tax ID, write it down and store it somewhere safe. You will need it to file taxes, open bank accounts, apply for loans, and handle many other financial matters. Do not share your Tax ID with anyone except your employer, bank, tax professional, or government agency that specifically requests it.

If you suspect your Tax ID has been used fraudulently or stolen, contact the IRS immediately at 1-800-829-1040 and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. The IRS can place a flag on your account to prevent unauthorized use.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

For most people, yes. Your Social Security Number is your Tax ID. However, if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident but have work authorization, your Tax ID is an ITIN instead. Business owners have an EIN as their Tax ID, separate from their personal Social Security Number.

Can I get a new Tax ID if I lose mine?

No. Your Tax ID is permanent and cannot be changed or reissued. If you lose the number, you can retrieve it using the methods in this guide. If you believe your number has been compromised, contact the IRS and the Federal Trade Commission, but your number itself remains the same.

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

Online EIN applications are assigned immediately. ITIN applications and mail-in EIN applications take 4 to 6 weeks. If you need a Social Security Number, contact the Social Security Administration — processing times vary depending on your situation.

What if the IRS says they have no record of my Tax ID?

This usually means you have never filed a tax return or been assigned a number. You will need to file a return or apply for an ITIN. If you believe you filed before, ask the IRS agent to search by your full legal name and date of birth, as name changes or spelling errors can cause records to be missed.