How To Get A Tax ID Number (2024 Guide)

Jeff is a writer, founder, and small business expert that focuses on educating founders on the ins and outs of running their business. From answering your legal questions to providing the right software for your unique situation, he brings his knowle.

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Jeff is a writer, founder, and small business expert that focuses on educating founders on the ins and outs of running their business. From answering your legal questions to providing the right software for your unique situation, he brings his knowle.

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Jeff is a writer, founder, and small business expert that focuses on educating founders on the ins and outs of running their business. From answering your legal questions to providing the right software for your unique situation, he brings his knowle.

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Jeff is a writer, founder, and small business expert that focuses on educating founders on the ins and outs of running their business. From answering your legal questions to providing the right software for your unique situation, he brings his knowle.

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Kelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist c.

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Kelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist c.

Written By Kelly Main Staff Reviewer

Kelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist c.

Kelly Main Staff Reviewer

Kelly Main is a Marketing Editor and Writer specializing in digital marketing, online advertising and web design and development. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business where she served as an editor and strategist c.

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Brette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.

Brette Sember, J.D. contributor

Brette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.

Brette Sember, J.D. contributor

Brette Sember is a retired attorney who has been writing and editing law and legal topics for more than 25 years. She is the author of more than 40 books, is a nationally recognized expert on divorce and family law and has a depth of experience that.

Updated: May 2, 2024, 2:36pm

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How To Get A Tax ID Number (2024 Guide)

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Table of Contents

Every individual person gets a tax ID number when they are born, known as your Social Security number (SSN). Businesses also need a tax identification number, but in order to get one, you’ll have to register for one. These numbers are required to file business-specific taxes or to hire employees. Here, you’ll learn whether you need a tax ID number and how to get a tax ID number in 2024.

Do I Need a Tax ID Number?

A tax ID number isn’t necessarily a requirement for all businesses (sole proprietors are not required to have one), but it is impossible to accomplish certain things unless you have one. While not every business needs to get a tax ID number, most will want to. Here are the main reasons why you should consider obtaining a tax ID number for your business:

Additionally, some financial institutions may not allow you to open a business bank account without one, and there may be some types of business licenses where one is required, but this is not always the case.

Regardless of the reason you may need one, it can be a good idea for every business to have a tax ID number in case the need arises at any given time.

Tax ID Number vs. EIN

An employer identification number (EIN) is provided by the IRS to your business so that your business can file taxes, and taxes you pay related to employees can be tied directly to your business. This is the same thing as a tax identification number and these terms are used interchangeably. When someone says they need your tax ID for your business, they are referring to your EIN number.

Some people refer to a tax ID number when talking about an individual tax identification number (ITIN). This is a tax processing number for certain nonresident aliens, their spouses and dependents who do not qualify for a Social Security number. This is only for individuals and not for business entities.

Overall, a tax identification number (TIN) refers to ID numbers that are provided by the IRS for the purpose of properly tracking taxes. Both businesses and individuals need a TIN in order to properly file taxes. The EIN is the only identification number that the IRS gives out specifically to businesses.