Your Tax ID is on documents you already have or can request from the IRS

Your Tax ID — also called an Employer Identification Number (EIN) if you own a business, or your Social Security Number (SSN) if you're an individual — appears on tax forms you've already filed, W-2s from your employer, and official IRS correspondence. If you've never filed taxes or lost track of the number, you can request it directly from the IRS using your name and date of birth.

The fastest way to find it depends on whether you're looking for a personal SSN or a business EIN. Both are retrievable without paying anyone or using a third-party service — the IRS provides this information free.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Social Security Number appears on your Social Security card, tax returns you've filed, W-2 forms from employers, and any IRS letter sent to your address.
  • A business EIN is listed on IRS correspondence, your business tax return (Form 1120 or 1040-C), and the confirmation letter the IRS sent when you first received the number.
  • If you cannot locate your number, call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 (for individuals) or 1-800-829-4933 (for businesses) with your name, date of birth, and address.
  • The IRS can also issue a replacement EIN letter if you've lost the original confirmation, which some programs require as proof.

Finding Your Social Security Number

Your Social Security Number is printed on your Social Security card itself. If you have the physical card, the nine-digit number is on the front. If the card is lost or you've never received one, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration by visiting your local Social Security office or calling 1-800-772-1213.

Your SSN also appears on any tax return you've filed — look at the top of Form 1040 or 1040-SR. If you filed jointly with a spouse, your number is listed first. W-2 forms from employers show your SSN in box a on the left side. Any letter from the IRS addressed to you will have your number printed on it, usually near the top.

If you've never filed taxes and don't have your Social Security card, bring your birth certificate, state ID or passport, and proof of address (utility bill or lease) to your nearest Social Security office. They can issue a replacement card on the spot or within two weeks.

Finding Your Business EIN

If you own a business, your Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS. It appears on your business tax return — Form 1120 for corporations, Form 1120-S for S-corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships, or Schedule C (attached to Form 1040) for sole proprietors. Look at the top of whichever form you filed.

The IRS also sent you a Form SS-4 confirmation letter when you first received your EIN. This letter is usually filed away but contains the number clearly. If you filed your business taxes electronically, check your email for the confirmation from your tax software or accountant — it will list the EIN.

Business bank statements and loan documents also show the EIN. Check any account statements or correspondence from your lender; the number appears in the account details section.

Requesting Your Tax ID from the IRS

If you cannot locate your number through any of the above methods, you can call the IRS and they will provide it over the phone. For individuals, call 1-800-829-1040 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. For businesses, call 1-800-829-4933 during the same hours. Have your name, date of birth, and current address ready.

The IRS will verify your identity using information from their records and then read your number to you. The call usually takes five to ten minutes. If you're calling during tax season (January through April), wait times can be longer — consider calling early in the morning or later in the week.

You can also visit an IRS office in person. Use the IRS Office Locator at irs.gov to find the nearest location, then call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment. Bring a photo ID and proof of address.

Getting an IRS Confirmation Letter for Your EIN

Some programs — particularly housing assistance or business loan programs — require proof of your EIN in the form of an official IRS letter. If you've lost the original Form SS-4 confirmation, you can request a replacement EIN Verification Letter from the IRS.

Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 and ask for an EIN Verification Letter. Provide your business name, EIN, and current address. The IRS will mail the letter to you within two weeks. You can also request this letter by mail using Form 147, which you can download from irs.gov.

The verification letter shows your EIN, the date it was issued, your business name and address, and your business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, etc.). This letter serves the same purpose as the original SS-4 confirmation for most programs.

What to Do If You Never Received a Tax ID

If you've never had a Social Security Number, you need to apply for one through the Social Security Administration. Visit your local Social Security office with your birth certificate, passport or state ID, and proof of address. You can also apply by mail using Form SS-5, which you can download from ssa.gov or pick up at any Social Security office. Processing takes two to four weeks by mail.

If you've never received an EIN for your business, you can obtain one by filing Form SS-4 with the IRS. You can file online at irs.gov (the fastest method — you receive your EIN immediately), by phone at 1-800-829-4933, by fax, or by mail. Online filing takes minutes; phone and fax processing takes about four weeks; mail takes six to eight weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Tax ID number over the phone or do I need the physical card?

You only need the number itself. You don't need to show a card or letter — just know the nine-digit number. If a program asks for proof, they usually want an official document like a tax return, W-2, or IRS letter, not the card.

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

This usually means the number was never issued or was issued under a different name (common if you've changed your legal name). Ask the IRS representative whether you need to apply for a new number or update your existing record. Bring documentation of any name change to your local Social Security or IRS office.

Do I need to pay to get a copy of my Tax ID or a verification letter?

No. The IRS provides Tax IDs and verification letters free of charge. Do not use paid services or third-party websites that claim to retrieve your number — the IRS does this directly at no cost.

How long does it take to get an EIN Verification Letter by mail?

The IRS typically mails the letter within two weeks of your request. If you need it faster, call the Business and Specialty Tax Line and ask if they can email or fax it to you instead — some offices can provide it the same day by phone.