How to Retrieve a Tax Identification Number

Tax identification numbers are issued by the internal revenue service and are issued to all consumers for tax filing purposes. Employers have tax identification numbers, and employees use their social security number. If you lose the tax identification number it will hinder all of financial aspects of life from obtaining a bank account to getting a loan.

1. Locate your personal local bank. Go to your local branch and present them with a valid form of personal identification. A passport, valid driver’s license, or state identification card will serve this purpose. If you do not have any piece of identifying information that corresponds to your banking information explain to the bank the situation and they may write down the numbers you will need to send to the IRS to receive further personal information. Do not be disappointed if you do not have any identification and the bank is not willing to provide you with your own personal banking information; They may refuse you strictly for security purposes.


2. Call the Internal Revenue Service Business and Specialty Tax offices. Describe the conditions under which you lost your business’s EIN or TIN number and tell them that you will need a replacement. The IRS Business and specialty tax office is open from 7 am to 10 pm local time. Be prepared to answer security questions to confirm your identity and that you are the signer pertaining to your business


3. Complete the replacement forms. The social security administration’s SS-5 form will need to be completed if a social security card is what you are trying to obtain. Two forms of original documentation that confirm your identification, citizenship, age and lawful status will be needed for completion of these forms. Send in the original documents and you will receive a package via certified mail with your replacement documents. Certified mail ensures that the documents do not get lost in transit.  Store the replacement card in a safe place. Memorize the number in the case of another lost card.