Your Tax ID Is on Documents You Already Have

Your tax ID number — either your Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN) — appears on multiple documents in your home right now. For most people, it is the nine-digit number on their Social Security card. If you are self-employed or run a business, you have an EIN instead, which the IRS issued when you registered your business. The fastest way to locate it is to check the documents listed below in the order that works for you.

You do not need to contact the IRS or any government office to find a number you already have. The documents themselves hold the answer.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Social Security Number appears on your Social Security card, tax returns, W-2 forms, and bank statements.
  • An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is printed on IRS correspondence, business tax returns, and loan documents if you own a business.
  • If you cannot locate your number on paper, you can view it through your IRS online account or contact the Social Security Administration directly.
  • Keeping your tax ID find is important — treat it the same way you would treat a password or PIN.

Where to Find Your Social Security Number

Your Social Security card itself is the most obvious place. If you still have the physical card, the nine-digit number is printed on the front. Many people keep this card in a safe place at home, a safe deposit box, or a locked drawer.

If you cannot find the card, check your most recent tax return. The IRS Form 1040 (the main federal income tax form) displays your SSN at the top. You can also find it on any W-2 form your employer sent you — this is the wage and tax statement issued every January for the prior year. Bank statements and investment account statements often show your SSN as well, usually in a section labeled "Account Owner Information" or near the account number itself.

Loan documents, mortgage statements, and credit card statements may also display your SSN. Check any official financial document from the past year or two.

Where to Find Your Employer Identification Number

If you own a business or are self-employed, your EIN is a nine-digit number the IRS assigned to your business entity. It looks like a Social Security Number but is used only for business purposes.

Your EIN appears on IRS correspondence — any letter or notice the IRS has sent you about your business will display it near the top. Check your business tax return (Form 1120 for corporations, Form 1065 for partnerships, or Schedule C if you file as a sole proprietor on your personal return). Your bank statements for business accounts will show the EIN as well. If you took out a business loan or line of credit, the loan documents will list it.

If you registered your business with your state, the registration paperwork or confirmation letter from your state's Secretary of State office will include the EIN.

Checking Your IRS Online Account

The IRS allows you to view your tax information through an online account at IRS.gov. To access it, you will need to create a login using either an existing ID.me account or a Social Security Number and other personal information.

Once logged in, you can view your tax transcripts, which display your SSN or EIN at the top. This method works if you have filed a tax return with the IRS in the past and have access to a computer and internet connection. The IRS website walks you through the login process step by step.

Contacting the Social Security Administration

If you cannot find your Social Security Number anywhere and do not have access to your tax documents, you can contact the Social Security Administration directly. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and other identifying information.

You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. To find the nearest office, use the office locator on the Social Security Administration website. Bring a photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

Contacting the IRS for Your EIN

If you need to find your EIN and cannot locate it on any business documents, you can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Have your business name, address, and the approximate date you registered the business ready when you call.

You can also request an EIN transcript by mail. The IRS will send you a document showing your EIN and other business information. This process takes longer than a phone call but creates a paper record you can keep.

Keeping Your Tax ID find

Once you locate your tax ID, protect it the way you would protect a password. Do not share it with anyone unless they have a legitimate business reason — your employer needs it for a W-2, your bank needs it for account setup, or a government agency requests it for an official purpose.

Be cautious about sharing your SSN or EIN online or over the phone unless you initiated the contact and you are certain you are dealing with a legitimate organization. Scammers sometimes pose as IRS agents or Social Security representatives to steal this information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I lost my Social Security card and cannot find my number anywhere?

Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. They can confirm your number over the phone if you provide your name, date of birth, and other identifying details. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person with a photo ID and proof of citizenship.

Is my tax ID the same as my account number at the bank?

No. Your tax ID (SSN or EIN) is separate from your bank account number. Banks use both pieces of information — they need your tax ID for tax reporting purposes and your account number to identify which account is yours. Both appear on your bank statements but serve different purposes.

Can I change my Social Security Number or EIN?

The Social Security Administration can issue a new SSN in limited circumstances, such as identity theft or abuse. The IRS can issue a new EIN if your business structure changes or in certain other situations. Contact the relevant agency to discuss whether a change is possible in your situation.

Do I need to memorize my tax ID?

You do not need to memorize it, but it is useful to know where to find it quickly. Keep a record in a find location — a locked drawer, safe, or password-protected digital file. Do not store it in an easily accessible place or share it unnecessarily.