In this article, we’re explaining the difference between EIN vs TIN.
In short, EIN is a business taxpayer identification number and TIN is a form of personal taxpayer identification number.
That said, there are important nuances you should know about each, including how to get them as a foreign non-resident.
In this article, we explain what both an EIN and TIN are, explain the important nuances, and answer common questions we receive about both.
This article is part of our banking series on US LLCs and how to apply to open a business bank account for an LLC, which you can access here right now.
Feel free to use the table of contents to jump ahead to the sections most relevant to you.
Table of Contents
- EIN vs TIN
- What Is the Difference Between EIN and TIN and SSN?
- How Do I Find an Employer Identification Number?
- How Do I Find My Taxpayer Identification Number?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Open Accounts With Banks in the USA?
EIN vs TIN
The main difference between an EIN and a TIN is that EIN stands for Employer Identification Number, which is used to identify corporate entities while TIN stands for Taxpayer Identification Number, which is a broad category of identification numbers used by both corporate entities and individuals for tax purposes.
In other words, an EIN is one of several TINs that are issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. However, it is not the only TIN available. The IRS also issues SSNs to all US persons and ITINs to foreign non-residents who have a filing requirement in the US.
Importantly, if you are a foreign non-resident with a US company (e.g. a US LLP or LLC), then you automatically have a filing requirement and will be required to obtain an ITIN. In these instances, the individual filing will need both an EIN and an ITIN, which means they would have two US TINs.
What Is the Difference Between EIN and TIN and SSN?
The main difference between an EIN, a TIN, and an SSN is that an EIN and an SSN are both specific types of taxpayer identification numbers, while a TIN refers to the broader category of taxpayer identification numbers.
As mentioned, EIN refers to Employer Identification Number while SSN refers to Social Security Number. EINs are exclusively used for corporate filings while an SSN is a personal taxpayer identification number that is issued to US persons, and is therefore used for meeting the tax filing requirements of US persons.
Is a TIN and an SSN the Same?
Yes, TIN and SSN are the same if you consider the fact that an SSN is a form of TIN. In other words, TIN is a category of identification numbers that are used for tax purposes and an SSN is one of the numbers that falls into this category that is used for identifying individual taxpayers.
Of course, there is another US personal TIN as well, which is the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or ITIN. The ITIN is a US TIN that is issued to foreign non-resident individuals with a US tax filing obligation.
To obtain an ITIN, an individual must apply (either directly or through an agent) with the IRS. Importantly, an ITIN is required in order to meet the filing requirements of a US LLC, as the member of the LLC will need to provide their ITIN in order to complete the filing.
How Do I Find an Employer Identification Number?
To find an Employer Identification Number, you can either review existing documents you have received (or submitted) to the IRS, ask your accountant, or contact the IRS business and specialty tax line directly. There are specific steps that you will need to follow to require your EIN, which we outline in GlobalBanks USA.
How Do I Find My Taxpayer Identification Number?
To find your taxpayer identification number (TIN), you can follow the steps mentioned above for finding your EIN if you need to locate your company taxpayer identification number. Alternatively, if you need to locate a personal taxpayer identification number, like an SSN or an ITIN, you can either review past tax returns, review your ITIN letter from the IRS, or confirm your SSN on your social security card.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are three of the most common questions we receive from people looking to understand EIN vs TIN. If you have further questions you would like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
How Long Will It Take to Get an EIN?
How long it will take to get an EIN will depend on the method that you choose to apply. For example, US persons have the option to apply by physical mail or online. Applying via physical mail can take up to four weeks while online applications receive an EIN immediately. On the other hand, foreign applicants are required to apply over the phone by contacting the IRS directly. That said, when applying over the phone as a foreigner, the EIN is also issued immediately.
Can I Use EIN Instead of TIN?
Technically speaking, an EIN is a type of TIN since it is a taxpayer identification number. Therefore, if you have a specific corporate filing requirement, then you can use the EIN for the entity. However, if you are being asked for a personal taxpayer identification number, then you will provide an SSN or ITIN, depending on your status in the United States.
Do I Need an EIN or TIN?
Whether you need an EIN or TIN (or both) will depend on whether you are completing corporate or personal filings, acting as an individual or through a corporation, and your status in the country. In fact, in most situations, individuals with a corporate filing requirement (which requires an EIN) also require a TIN to complete their corporate filing obligations. Foreign non-residents will therefore have both an EIN and an ITIN while most residents will have an EIN and an SSN.
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