Your tax ID is on documents you already have at home

Your tax ID — also called a Taxpayer Identification Number or TIN — appears on multiple documents you receive from the IRS, your employer, or your bank. You do not need to request it or contact anyone. The fastest way to find it is to look at last year's tax return, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a bank statement. If you have filed taxes before, your tax ID is the same number you used then.

If you have never filed taxes and do not have any of these documents, the IRS will assign you a number when you file your first return. Until then, you can request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) by mail using Form W-7, though this takes four to six weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Your tax ID appears on your most recent tax return, W-2 form, 1099 form, or bank statement — check these first.
  • If you filed taxes last year, your tax ID is the same number you used; you do not need a new one.
  • Self-employed people and business owners use their Social Security number or apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website.
  • If you have never filed taxes, the IRS assigns you a number automatically when you file your first return.
  • An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) takes four to six weeks to arrive by mail and is used by people who cannot get a Social Security number.

Where your tax ID appears on common documents

The easiest place to find your tax ID is on a document you have already received. Look at the top right or top left corner of the first page — that is where the IRS and employers typically print it.

Tax returns: Your tax ID is printed on the first page of any federal return you filed (Form 1040, 1040-SR, or 1040-NR). If you filed jointly with a spouse, your individual tax ID is listed first.

W-2 forms: Your employer sends this form every January for the previous year's wages. Your tax ID is in box a on the left side of the form.

1099 forms: If you received income from self-employment, freelance work, rental property, or investments, you received a 1099. Your tax ID is in box 5 (for 1099-NEC) or box 1 (for 1099-MISC). Different 1099 types place it in different boxes, but it is always near the top.

Bank and investment statements: Banks print your tax ID on year-end statements and 1099-INT forms (interest income). Brokerage firms print it on 1099-B forms (investment sales).

Mortgage statements: If you own a home, your lender sends a 1098 form each January showing mortgage interest paid. Your tax ID is in box a.

What to do if you cannot find your tax ID

If you have filed taxes before but cannot locate any of these documents, contact the IRS directly. Call 1-800-829-1040 (the main IRS line) and have your name, date of birth, and address ready. The IRS can tell you your tax ID over the phone, though wait times are often long, especially during tax season (January through April).

You can also create an account on IRS.gov and view your tax transcript online. A transcript shows your tax ID at the top and includes a record of returns you filed. This method takes a few days but avoids phone wait times. Go to IRS.gov, select "View Your Tax Account," and follow the steps to verify your identity.

If you filed taxes through a tax preparer or accountant, contact them. They have a copy of your return and can tell you your tax ID immediately.

Tax IDs for self-employed people and business owners

If you work for yourself or own a business, you may use your Social Security number as your tax ID, or you may have an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to businesses, partnerships, and certain trusts.

You need an EIN if you have employees, operate as a corporation or partnership, or file certain business tax forms. You do not need one if you are a sole proprietor with no employees — you can use your Social Security number instead.

If you have an EIN, it appears on your business tax returns (Form 1120, 1120-S, or 1065), your business bank statements, and any 1099 forms your business received. You can also look it up on IRS.gov by entering your business name and address, or call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 (the business line).

If you need a new EIN, you can request one free on IRS.gov using Form SS-4. The IRS assigns it immediately online, or you can apply by phone or mail. Most people receive their EIN the same day they apply online.

Getting an ITIN if you do not have a Social Security number

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who cannot get a Social Security number but need to file taxes or report income. ITINs are used by some immigrants, visa holders, and other residents who are required to file but are not may be able to access for a Social Security number.

To request an ITIN, you file Form W-7 by mail with the IRS. You must include proof of identity and proof of residency — a passport, national ID card, or driver's license works for identity; a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works for residency. The IRS processes Form W-7 applications in four to six weeks.

You cannot request an ITIN online or by phone. You must mail the form and documents to the IRS address listed on the form instructions. Once you receive your ITIN, it does not change, and you use it on all future tax returns and documents.

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 self-employed and have an EIN, or if you have an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, your tax ID is different. Check your most recent tax return to see which number you used.

Can I change my tax ID?

No. Your Social Security number, EIN, and ITIN do not change. If you have filed taxes before, you use the same tax ID every year. If the IRS assigned you a number, that is your permanent tax ID.

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

You do not need the card itself — your tax ID is the nine-digit number, not the card. If you remember the number, you can use it. If you do not remember it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or check any tax document from the past three years.

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

If you have a Social Security number, you already have a tax ID — you do not need to do anything. If you do not have a Social Security number and need one to file taxes, the IRS will assign you a number when you file your first return, or you can request an ITIN using Form W-7.

How long does it take to get a tax ID?

If you already have a Social Security number, you have a tax ID now — no wait. If you are requesting an ITIN by mail, allow four to six weeks. If you are requesting an EIN online, you receive it the same day.