TIN vs ITIN: What Is the Difference?
When filing taxes or dealing with the IRS, you’ll often come across the terms TIN and ITIN. Though they sound similar, these numbers serve different purposes. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right one for your situation.
What is a TIN?
TIN stands for Taxpayer Identification Number. It’s a general term the IRS uses for all types of identification numbers used for tax purposes.
There are several types of TINs, including:
SSN (Social Security Number) – issued by the Social Security Administration for U.S. citizens and eligible residents.
EIN (Employer Identification Number) – used by businesses and employers.
ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) – used by individuals who are not eligible for an SSN.
So, an ITIN is actually a type of TIN.
What is an ITIN?
An ITIN is issued by the IRS to people who need to file U.S. taxes but aren’t eligible for an SSN.
Common examples include:
Non-U.S. residents with U.S. income
Dependents or spouses of U.S. citizens or residents
Foreign investors or business owners who need to file taxes
The ITIN helps individuals report income, claim refunds, and comply with U.S. tax laws, even if they are not eligible for Social Security benefits.
Key Difference Between TIN and ITIN
Feature TIN ITIN:
Full Form Taxpayer Identification Number Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
Issued By IRS or SSA IRS only
Purpose General tax identification For individuals not eligible for SSN
Examples SSN, EIN, ITIN Only ITIN
Eligibility U.S. citizens, residents, and businesses Nonresidents or those without SSN eligibility
Conclusion
In short, all ITINs are TINs, but not all TINs are ITINs.
If you’re not eligible for an SSN but need to file taxes in the U.S., you’ll need an ITIN.
💡 Need help applying for an ITIN?
We are IRS Certifying Acceptance Agents (CAA) and can assist you with the complete ITIN application process, including passport certification and tax return attachment.
