How to Apply for a TIN Number Online
Obtain your Taxpayer Identification Number from the IRS. This guide clarifies the distinct application requirements for businesses and eligible individuals.
A Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) is a unique nine-digit number the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses to administer tax laws. The IRS uses these numbers to identify individuals and businesses and to track payments, credits, and other tax information.
Identifying Which TIN You Need
Determining the appropriate TIN is the first step, as different numbers serve distinct purposes. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is assigned to business entities for tax filing and reporting. Corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships that hire employees, pay excise taxes, or file pension plans are required to obtain an EIN.
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a tax processing number for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN). The purpose of an ITIN is for federal tax reporting; it does not authorize work in the U.S. or provide eligibility for Social Security benefits.
A Social Security Number (SSN) is another type of TIN issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA), not the IRS. SSNs are for U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens authorized to work in the United States.
Preparing Your TIN Application
To apply for an EIN, you will need to provide the following:
- The legal name of the business entity and its mailing address
- The name and TIN of the “responsible party,” who is the individual that owns or controls the entity
- The entity type, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC
- The primary reason for applying for the EIN
- The business’s start date and the closing month of its accounting year
If the responsible party changes, the IRS must be notified within 60 days by filing Form 8822-B.
An ITIN application requires completing Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The form requires your full name, mailing address, foreign address, birth information, and the reason you are applying for the ITIN.
The application must include documentation that proves your foreign status and identity. A foreign passport is the only standalone document that proves both. If you do not have a passport, you must provide a combination of other documents, such as a national identity card, foreign driver’s license, or civil birth certificate. These documents must be originals or certified copies from the issuing agency. You can also use an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (CAA) to verify your documents.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for an EIN Online
The most efficient method for obtaining an EIN is through the IRS’s online application, known as the EIN Assistant. This service is for businesses with principal operations in the U.S. or its territories. The online tool is accessible from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
The online system will guide you through several screens to enter the information you prepared. This includes details about the responsible party, the business entity type, and the reason for the application. It is important to have all information ready, as the session may time out for security reasons if left inactive.
Upon successful submission, a confirmation notice with your new EIN is generated immediately. You should save and print this notice for your records, as it serves as official documentation of your EIN until you receive formal communication from the IRS.
How to Submit an ITIN Application
An ITIN cannot be obtained entirely online because it requires mailing sensitive documents. The application package must include your completed Form W-7, a valid federal income tax return, and your original or certified proof of identity and foreign status documents.
The completed application package should be mailed to the IRS service center designated for ITIN operations. For standard mail via the U.S. Postal Service, the address is Internal Revenue Service, Austin Service Center, ITIN Operation, P.O. Box 149342, Austin, TX 78714-9342. If using a private delivery service, a different street address is required: Internal Revenue Service, ITIN Operation, Mail Stop 6090-AUSC, 3651 S. Interregional, Highway 35, Austin, TX 78741-0000.
After mailing the application, the processing time is around seven weeks. This can extend to between nine and eleven weeks if you apply during peak tax season, which runs from January 15 to April 30, or if you are applying from overseas. Upon approval, the IRS will mail an assignment notice with your ITIN to the address listed on your Form W-7. Your original documents will be returned to you separately.