ANSWERS: 1
  • A federal tax identification (ID) number is issued by the IRS or the Social Security Administration and is used in the administration of tax law (Reference 1). For most U.S. citizens, a Social Security number doubles as their federal tax ID number. However, other federal tax ID numbers include employee identification numbers (EIN), individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITIN), taxpayer identification numbers for pending U.S. adoptions (ATIN), and preparer taxpayer identification numbers (PTIN). The Social Security Administration issues Social Security numbers, and the IRS issues all other federal tax ID numbers.

    Social Security Number

    Social Security numbers are used for tax purposes and also to track and pay retirement benefits from the U.S. government. Download Form SS-5, "Application for a Social Security Card" from the Social Security website and provide documentation proving your U.S. citizenship status, your age and your identity. If you are older than the age of 12, take your documents to your local Social Security office; if you are younger than 12, you can take or mail your documents to the local office.

    EIN

    An EIN is used to identify a business entity, and most businesses need an EIN to deal with tax matters. You can apply for immediate issuance of an EIN online at the IRS website or by calling the toll-free Business and Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933. Or, you can download Form SS-4 "Application for Employer Identification Number" from the IRS website, and fax or mail it to the addresses provided on the IRS website.

    ITIN

    An ITIN is a federal tax ID number for nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses and dependents who cannot get a Social Security number. Download and complete a Form W-7 "IRS Application for Individual Taxpayer Identification Number" and mail it, along with documentation required by the application, to the address shown on the Form W-7. Or, take the form to your local IRS office.

    ATIN

    Individuals who are in the process of legally adopting a U.S. citizen or resident child but cannot get a Social Security number for the child before filing their taxes need an ATIN. Download and complete Form W-7A "Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions" from the IRS website. Page two of Form W-7A describes the adoption related documentation that must be included with the application. Take the application and documents to your local IRS office, or mail them to: Internal Revenue Service Austin Service Center ATIN Unit P.O. Box 934 Austin, TX 78767

    PTIN

    Paid income tax preparers who do not want to disclose their Social Security number on the tax returns they prepare use PTINs. You can request immediate issuance of a PTIN through the IRS website, or you can download and complete Form W-7P, "Application for a Preparer Tax Identification Number." Mail or fax the completed Form W-7P to: Internal Revenue Service P.O. Box 9020 Holtsville, NY 11742-9020 Fax: (631) 687-3850

    Source:

    IRS.gov: Taxpayer Identification Numbers

    Social Security Online: Requesting an Original Social Security Number

    More Information:

    Social Security Online: Find a Social Security Office

    IRS.gov: Where to File Your Taxes (for Form SS-4)

    IRS.gov: e-Services -- Online Tools for Tax Professionals

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