If you’re a business owner, taxpayer, or simply conducting due diligence, you may have asked: are tax identification numbers public record? The answer depends on the type of Tax Identification Number (TIN), who it belongs to, and how it’s being used.
In this article, we’ll break down the privacy rules surrounding Social Security Numbers (SSNs), Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), and other types of TINs—and what is or isn’t accessible to the public.
What Is a Tax Identification Number (TIN)?
A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is used by the IRS to track individuals and entities for tax purposes. There are several types:
- SSN – Social Security Number (for individuals)
- EIN – Employer Identification Number (for businesses)
- ITIN – Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (for non-resident aliens)
- ATIN – Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number
- PTIN – Preparer Tax Identification Number (for tax professionals)
Are Tax Identification Numbers Public Record?
SSNs and ITINs – Not Public Record
- Social Security Numbers and ITINs are strictly confidential and protected under federal privacy laws.
- They are never made public and should not appear in any searchable government databases.
- Sharing or exposing someone’s SSN without consent can result in legal penalties.
EINs – Partially Public for Businesses
While Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) are issued by the IRS and used for business identification, they may appear in certain public contexts, such as:
- Form 990 filings (for nonprofits)
- Business credit reports
- Public business registrations (depending on state laws)
- SEC filings and government contracts
So, while EINs are not published in a federal public database, they may still be accessible through third-party sources, including:
- Business lookup tools
- Secretary of State websites
- Commercial credit databases
However, individual or sole proprietor EINs may be harder to find due to privacy protections.
SSNs and EINs Are Not Freely Searchable from the IRS
The IRS does not offer any public directory for finding EINs, SSNs, or ITINs. You must be an authorized party to request or verify this information directly through:
- IRS transcripts
- Tax return filings
- TIN Matching programs (for registered businesses only)
How to Protect Your Tax Identification Number
If you have an EIN or SSN, take these steps to protect it:
- Avoid displaying it on public websites or documents
- Do not share it via email without encryption
- Use business structures (like LLCs) to separate your personal SSN from your business activities
- Regularly monitor credit reports and tax filings for unauthorized use
Final Thoughts
So, are tax identification numbers public record? No for individuals (SSNs, ITINs), and partially for businesses (EINs). While some business EINs may be found in public filings or databases, the IRS itself does not disclose EINs or any TINs to the general public.
