- 1). Decide the type of tax identification number you need. There are six types of tax ID numbers: Social Security numbers (SSNs) for those who are born in the United States and lawful residents; employee identification numbers (EINs) for business owners or self-employed persons; individual taxpayer identification numbers (ITINs) for residents and nonresident aliens who can't get a SSN; taxpayer identification numbers for children with pending U.S. adoptions (ATINs); and preparer tax identification numbers (PTINs) for those who prepare tax documents.
- 2). Complete the application appropriate for the type of tax ID number your are seeking (see Resources). Make sure to answer all applicable questions. For example, to obtain a Social Security number you must include your mother's full maiden name, as well as your city and country of birth. ITIN applicants will need to include information such as their country of birth and immigration status.
- 3). Gather and attach any additional documentation such as proof of identification as required with Social Security number applications and ITIN applications, or a federal income tax return as required with the ITIN application.
- 4). Submit the application. There is no fee to apply for a tax identification number. Applications for a Social Security number must be submitted in person at a local SSA office. ITIN, ATIN, PTIN and EIN applications must be submitted by mail or in person at a local IRS Tax Assistance Center. EIN and PTIN applications may also be submitted online or by phone. The official IRS document certifying your tax identification number will arrive by mail, or can be printed online in some cases such as with EIN numbers.
previous post