The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues various numbers to identify individual taxpayers and make it easier for them to file the returns and claim the benefits. The IRS tax ID number is a taxpayer’s identification number which is used by the Internal Revenue Service in the tax laws. This number is issued by the Social Security Administration or by the IRS. The identification number includes the Social Security number (SSN), individual tax identification number, employer identification number, taxpayer identification number for pending US adoptions, and the preparer taxpayer identification number.

Why is IRS tax ID number essential?
The IRS tax ID number (TIN) is important. It must be furnished in every statement, return, and other tax documents. It should be furnished at the time of filing your returns and also when you claim the treaty benefits. You may also be required to furnish the number if you are claiming the tax treaty benefits, exemption from annuities, and an exemption for effectively connected income.

Procuring a the IRS tax ID number
One may get the IRS tax ID number in the form of a Social Security number by filling out the application for a Social Security card. A person may be required to submit evidence of their age, identity, and citizenship of the US for further processing. One can get the employer identification number by filing the form for the same. The individual taxpayer identification number is available for nonresidents, residents, aliens, and also for dependents who are unable to get the social security number.

It is important to understand the different types of numbers issued by IRS and to differentiate those that are applicable only to oneself. In order to ensure a smooth tax filing process, a person may be required to quote the number on various forms. It is ideal to fill up the application form at the earliest and procure identity proof if a person does not have one yet. The number will form a part of one’s identity proof, and they will be required to quote it across various platforms. A person needs to consider their eligibility for the number and apply for the one that is the most appropriate for them as an individual or a nonresident individual. One needs to understand which ID number to use for the purpose of tax filing or claiming the income credit. A person cannot claim income credits through the individual taxpayer identification number, which is available for non-residents and residents and their spouse.