Your Tax ID is on documents you already have at home

Your Tax ID — also called an EIN (Employer Identification Number) if you run a business, or your SSN (Social Security Number) if you file as an individual — appears on tax forms and official mail the IRS has sent you. You do not need to request it or contact anyone. The number was assigned to you when you first filed taxes or when you started a business, and it has not changed.

The fastest place to look is your most recent tax return. If you filed last year, that return shows your number at the top. If you cannot find a return, check other IRS mail in your files — notices, letters, or copies of forms the IRS mailed to you all display your Tax ID clearly.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Tax ID appears on your most recent tax return, at the top of the first page.
  • If you filed taxes with the IRS, you already have a Tax ID — you do not need to create one or request one.
  • IRS letters, notices, and official mail all show your Tax ID, so check your files if you cannot find a return.
  • If you have never filed taxes and do not have a Social Security Number, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS.
  • The IRS transcript service lets you retrieve your Tax ID and tax history without paper documents.

Check your tax return first

Open your most recent federal tax return — the form you filed with the IRS, not a copy from your tax preparer or accountant. Your Tax ID is printed in the upper right corner of the first page, usually next to your name. If you filed a 1040, 1120, 1065, or any other federal form, your number is there.

If you filed jointly with a spouse, your individual Tax ID (your Social Security Number) appears on the return. If you filed as a business, your EIN is listed instead. The number is nine digits, formatted as XXX-XX-XXXX for an EIN or XXX-XX-XXXX for a Social Security Number.

Look through IRS mail and notices

The IRS sends official mail when you file, when you owe money, when you are due a refund, or when the agency needs information from you. Every piece of IRS correspondence displays your Tax ID at the top or in a prominent location. Check your files for any letter or notice with an IRS return address.

Common IRS documents that show your Tax ID include: CP notices (refund or payment notices), 1098 forms (interest or education credits), 1099 forms (income from other sources), W-2 forms (wages from an employer), and audit notices. Even if the letter is old, your Tax ID has not changed, so any IRS mail will have the correct number.

Use the IRS transcript service if you have no documents

If you cannot locate a tax return or IRS mail, you can request a transcript directly from the IRS. A tax transcript is an official IRS record of your filing history and shows your Tax ID. You can request one by phone, by mail, or online through the IRS website.

To request a transcript by phone, call the IRS at 1-800-908-9946. Have your name, address, and date of birth ready. The IRS will mail the transcript to you within 5 to 10 business days. You can also request a transcript online through the IRS's Get Transcript tool if you can verify your identity through their authentication system. By mail, complete Form 4506-C and send it to the IRS address listed on the form.

What to do if you have never filed taxes

If you have never filed a federal tax return and do not have a Social Security Number, you do not yet have a Tax ID. You will need one if you plan to file taxes or if a government program requires it. The type of Tax ID you receive depends on your situation.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident without a Social Security Number, you can apply for one through the Social Security Administration. If you are not may be able to access for a Social Security Number, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS by completing Form W-7 and submitting it with proof of identity and residency. An ITIN is a nine-digit number used for tax purposes and is assigned to people who cannot get a Social Security Number but need to file taxes or report income.

What your Tax ID looks like and where it appears

A Social Security Number is nine digits in the format XXX-XX-XXXX (for example, 123-45-6789). An Employer Identification Number (EIN) uses the same format. On a tax return, your Tax ID is printed in the top right corner of the first page, next to your name and address. On IRS mail, it appears near the top of the letter or notice, often in a box labeled "Tax ID" or "SSN".

Do not confuse your Tax ID with other numbers on tax documents. Your return may also show a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) if a tax professional prepared your return, or a bank routing number if you requested a direct deposit refund. Your Tax ID is the nine-digit number associated with your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I filed taxes but cannot find my return or any IRS mail?

Request a tax transcript from the IRS by phone at 1-800-908-9946, online through the IRS Get Transcript tool, or by mail using Form 4506-C. The transcript will show your Tax ID and your filing history. The IRS will mail it to you within 5 to 10 business days.

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

If you file taxes as an individual, yes — your Tax ID is your Social Security Number. If you own a business or run a partnership, your Tax ID is an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is different from your Social Security Number. Both are nine-digit numbers in the same format.

Can I change my Tax ID?

No. Your Social Security Number and Employer Identification Number do not change. If you believe your Tax ID was issued in error or you suspect fraud, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040.

Do I need a Tax ID if I have never worked or filed taxes?

You do not have a Tax ID yet if you have never filed. You will receive one when you file your first tax return or when you start a business. If a program requires a Tax ID before you have filed, you can request an ITIN from the IRS using Form W-7, or apply for a Social Security Number through the Social Security Administration.