If you’re starting a business or filing taxes, you may be asking: “Is an EIN number the same as a Tax ID number?” The short answer is yes—sometimes. But there’s more to it depending on the context.
In this blog, we’ll break down the terms EIN, TIN, and other types of tax identification numbers to clear up the confusion.
What Is a Tax ID Number (TIN)?
A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a generic term used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to refer to any number used to identify a taxpayer.
Common types of TINs include:
- EIN (Employer Identification Number) – for businesses
- SSN (Social Security Number) – for individuals
- ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) – for non-residents and others not eligible for an SSN
- ATIN and PTIN – for specific tax roles (like adoption or tax preparers)
So, “Tax ID number” is an umbrella term, and EIN is one type of Tax ID.
What Is an EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a specific type of Tax ID assigned to business entities by the IRS. It’s used for:
- Opening a business bank account
- Filing federal and state taxes
- Hiring employees
- Applying for licenses and permits
When EIN and TIN Mean the Same Thing
In the context of a business, the terms EIN and TIN are often used interchangeably. For example:
- When opening a business bank account, the bank may ask for your TIN—but they mean your EIN
- When filing taxes for your company, the IRS may refer to your TIN, which again means your EIN
So, if you’re operating a business, then yes—your EIN is your business’s TIN.
When They’re Not the Same
If you’re talking about an individual, their TIN is usually a Social Security Number (SSN) or an ITIN. In that case, the EIN is different and used only for business entities.
Conclusion: Is an EIN Number the Same as a Tax ID Number?
Yes and no.
- Yes, for businesses: An EIN is a type of Tax ID Number (TIN) and the terms are used interchangeably.
- No, for individuals: A TIN could refer to a Social Security Number or ITIN, not an EIN.
Always check the context to be sure which kind of TIN is being referred to.
