Your Tax ID is on documents you already have

Your Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS uses to track your tax account. If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien, your TIN is your Social Security Number (SSN). If you do not have an SSN, the IRS can issue you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

You do not need to request or look up your number — it is already printed on documents in your home. The fastest way to find it is to check the papers you have received from your employer, your bank, or the IRS itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Tax ID is your Social Security Number if you have one; if not, you may have an ITIN issued by the IRS.
  • Your SSN appears on your Social Security card, W-2 forms from employers, and 1099 forms from banks or other payers.
  • If you have filed a tax return before, your TIN is on the return itself and in any IRS notices you received.
  • If you cannot find your number in documents at home, you can contact the Social Security Administration or the IRS directly.

Check your W-2 or 1099 forms

The easiest place to find your Tax ID is on a W-2 form (Wage and Tax Statement) from your employer or a 1099 form (such as 1099-INT or 1099-MISC) from a bank, investment firm, or other payer. These forms are sent to you every January for the previous year's income. Your nine-digit number appears in the upper left corner of the form, labeled "SSN" or "Tax ID".

If you have worked in the past few years, you almost certainly have at least one W-2 or 1099 in your files. Check your tax documents folder, your email (if your employer or bank sent it electronically), or ask your employer or bank to resend a copy.

Look at your Social Security card or IRS correspondence

Your Social Security card itself displays your nine-digit number across the middle. If you have the card in your wallet or at home, that is your Tax ID.

You can also find your number on any letter or notice from the IRS. If you have ever filed a tax return, received a refund, or been contacted by the IRS about your account, keep those letters — they all show your Tax ID. Look for the phrase "Your tax identification number is" or straightforward scan the top of the letter for a nine-digit number.

Check your past tax returns

If you have filed a federal income tax return in the past, your Tax ID is printed on that return. Look for your most recent return — it may be in a file at home, with your accountant or tax preparer, or in your email if you filed electronically.

Your number appears on the first page of the return, usually in the upper right section near your name and address. If you filed through a tax software company like TurboTax or H&R Block, you can often log into your account and view past returns online.

Contact the Social Security Administration or IRS if you cannot find it

If you have searched your documents and cannot locate your number, you can contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your name, date of birth, and place of birth ready. The SSA can confirm your Social Security Number over the phone.

You can also contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (TTY 1-800-829-4059) during tax season or year-round for account questions. The IRS can confirm your Tax ID if you have filed a return before. Both agencies may ask you security questions to verify your identity before sharing your number.

What to do if you do not have a Social Security Number

If you are not a U.S. citizen or resident alien and do not have an SSN, you may have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). An ITIN is a nine-digit number that looks like a Social Security Number but begins with the digit 9. It is issued by the IRS to people who need to file taxes but are not may be able to access for an SSN.

Your ITIN appears on any IRS correspondence, on your tax returns if you have filed, or on an IRS letter titled "Notice of ITIN Assignment." If you have lost this letter or cannot find your ITIN, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and explain that you need to confirm your ITIN.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien. Your Social Security Number is your Tax ID. If you do not have an SSN, your Tax ID is an ITIN issued by the IRS.

Can I look up my Tax ID online?

The IRS does not have a public lookup tool for Tax IDs. You must find it in your own documents or contact the SSA or IRS directly by phone. Both agencies verify your identity before sharing your number.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need the physical card to know your number. Check your W-2, 1099, tax returns, or IRS letters instead. If you need a replacement card, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

Do I need my Tax ID to open a bank account?

Most banks ask for your Tax ID when you open an account. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, ask the bank what documents they accept instead — some banks work with people who are building credit or are not yet may be able to access for a number.

How do I get an ITIN if I do not have one?

You request an ITIN by filing a tax return with Form W-7 (process for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You can file by mail or through a tax preparer. The IRS will issue your ITIN and send you a notice of assignment.