Where can I find my TIN (taxpayer identification number)? Is it different from my SSN?

Wait, I'm confused. So if I have an LLC for my side business, would my TIN be my SSN or would it be something else? The company asking for this is actually hiring me as a contractor, not an employee if that makes a difference.

If you have an LLC, you likely have an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for that business, which would be the TIN for your business activities. For a single-member LLC, you may use either your SSN or your EIN depending on how you've set up your business for tax purposes. Since you're being hired as a contractor, they're probably asking for the TIN they should use on your 1099 form. If you're doing the work as your LLC, you'd provide your EIN. If you're doing the work as an individual, you'd provide your SSN.

So if I'm starting a small business on the side, would I need a different TIN for that? I've heard people talk about EINs but I'm not sure if that's the same thing.

Yes, if you're starting a business, you might need an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is another type of TIN. An EIN is a 9-digit number formatted as XX-XXXXXXX. For sole proprietors, you can often use your SSN instead of an EIN, but getting an EIN might be preferable to avoid sharing your SSN. For partnerships, corporations, or if you have employees, an EIN is required. You can apply for one free on the IRS website, and typically get it immediately.

Does it actually explain the differences between all these numbers? I have my own photography business and I've got an SSN, EIN, and state tax ID number and I'm always confused about which one to use where.

I'm kinda skeptical about these tax services. How does it actually work? Do you have to upload all your personal documents or something? That sounds risky.

It definitely explains the differences between the numbers and when to use each one. The system breaks down exactly which forms require which numbers and why. Really helpful when you're juggling multiple tax IDs. For how it works, you can upload your documents (they use the same security as banks) or just take a picture of any form you're confused about. It's not like giving all your info to some random person - it's an AI system that analyzes the form and tells you what goes where. I was skeptical too until I realized how much time it saved me.

Does it actually explain the differences between all these numbers? Like SSN vs ITIN vs EIN? I get so confused with all these acronyms and I'm trying to file for my parents who aren't US citizens.

Is this service secure? I'm always hesitant about entering my SSN into websites I'm not familiar with. How does it protect sensitive information?

It definitely explains the differences between all the tax ID numbers - that was actually my favorite feature. It breaks down when you'd use an SSN versus when you'd need an ITIN or EIN, and gives examples for different scenarios. Really cleared things up for me when helping my non-citizen spouse. Regarding security, they use bank-level encryption and don't store your documents after analysis. I was worried about that too, but they explain their security protocols on the site. They're also clear that they only use your documents for the analysis you request and nothing else.

How does that actually work though? Like they just sit on hold for you? Seems weird that that's even a service that needs to exist lol.

Yeah right. There's no way to "skip the line" with the IRS. Sounds like a scam to get desperate people's money. The IRS is basically unreachable these days.

They don't skip the line - they basically wait in it for you. Their system sits on hold instead of you having to do it personally. When an agent is about to pick up, you get a call connecting you directly. It's like having someone stand in a physical line for you. The reason it exists is exactly because the IRS is so hard to reach! Their average wait times are ridiculous, and most people can't just sit around for 2+ hours hoping someone answers. I was super skeptical too, but it genuinely works - the IRS doesn't know or care who's been sitting on hold, they just take the next call in queue.

How does this actually work? I've literally spent HOURS on hold with the IRS and eventually just gave up. Is this some kind of premium service that puts you in a faster queue?

Sounds like a scam to me. Nobody can magically get through to the IRS faster. They probably just take your money and you end up waiting just as long.

It works by continuously calling the IRS for you and navigating the initial phone tree until it gets a human on the line. Then it calls your phone and connects you directly to that person. No more sitting on hold for hours! It's definitely not a scam. I was skeptical too before trying it. The service doesn't actually change your place in the queue - it just automates the calling and waiting process so you don't have to do it yourself. Basically it does the frustrating part for you, and you only get connected when there's actually an agent ready to talk.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I checked my last year's tax return like you suggested and found my SSN right at the top. I was overthinking it - turns out that's all they needed for the TIN field. I appreciate all the explanations about the different types of TINs too - learned something new today!

What about if you're filing a tax return for an estate after someone passes away? Does the estate need its own TIN or do you use the deceased person's SSN?

For an estate, you actually need to apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number). Even though it has "employer" in the name, EINs are used for estates as well as businesses. You can't continue using the deceased person's SSN for the estate - you'll need the separate EIN for all estate tax filings. You can apply for an estate EIN online through the IRS website, and they typically issue the number immediately. This EIN would then be used on Form 1041 (income tax return for estates and trusts) and any other required estate tax forms.

Yes, they're definitely related. Banks are required to get your TIN (your SSN in this case) for tax reporting purposes. The backup withholding you heard about happens if you don't provide a TIN or if the IRS notifies the bank that you provided an incorrect TIN.

Which tax software do you recommend that's actually affordable? I used FreeTaxUSA last year but wasn't super impressed with how they handled my 1099 income.