Do I Have a Federal Tax ID Number?

ITIN Overview:
An ITIN is a tax processing number for certain nonresident and resident aliens. To obtain an ITIN, you must complete IRS Form W-7, which requires documentation substantiating status and identity. You can use the IRS’s Interactive Tax Assistant tool to help determine if you should apply for an ITIN.
EIN Overview:
An EIN is assigned to businesses by the IRS. An ITIN always begins with 9 and is formatted like a SSN. The EIN has 9 digits formatted like 12-3456789. Anyone can access EIN information from the IRS.
Tax ID Information:
Every individual and business has a tax ID number to identify them to the IRS. You can find a tax ID online, on forms, by contacting a company, or through states. Most states use the federal EIN.
Applying for an EIN:
A tax ID like an EIN identifies a business entity to the IRS for tax purposes. An EIN is necessary when registering a business, hiring employees, or filing returns. You can apply for an EIN on the IRS website, which is the fastest option. The EIN Assistant tool helps guide applicants. Sole proprietors or self-employed without employees, pensions, or excise tax returns are not required to file for an EIN. Operating without an EIN is possible, though most entities need one.

ITIN for Nonresident Aliens:
An ITIN is a tax ID for nonresident aliens. To get one, complete IRS Form W-7 requiring ID and status proof. The Interactive Tax Assistant helps determine if an ITIN is needed.

Identification to the IRS:
A tax ID like an EIN registers a business, hires employees, or files returns. Apply on the IRS website, the fastest option. The EIN Assistant helps guide applicants. Sole proprietors without employees, pensions, or excise taxes don’t need an EIN. Most entities need one. Operating without an EIN is possible, though rare.