What is a TIN?

• I am an Asset Store publisher.
• I am filling out my online tax interview form and have been asked for a TIN number.

• Social Security Number (SSN):

This is a nine-digit number assigned to an individual by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The number is assigned for tax and wage purposes. Under US federal law, any person working in the USA for compensation (wages, salary, etc.) must have an SSN. This includes international employees.

• Employer Identification Number (EIN).

This is a tax ID number for businesses that have employees, corporations or partnerships; withhold taxes on income paid to non-resident aliens, have Keogh plans and are involved with certain types of organizations. The principal business must be in the United States or a U.S. territory, and the person applying for the EIN (it must be an individual, not an entity) should already have a Social Security number, ITIN or other EIN. The IRS may require an estate or trust to get an EIN.

• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN):

This is a nine-digit tax ID number for nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses and their dependents who cannot get a Social Security number. The IRS issues the ITIN.