Where can I locate the Payer's TIN on my IRS tax refund 1099-INT form?

Yes, the "Payer's Federal Identification Number" is indeed the TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) you're looking for! This causes confusion for a lot of people. TIN is actually a general term that can refer to several types of tax identification numbers. For businesses and government entities like the IRS, their TIN is typically their Employer Identification Number (EIN). For individuals, it's usually your Social Security Number. When entering this information into your tax software, you can use the number listed under "Payer's Federal Identification Number" as the Payer's TIN. The IRS uses their own EIN as the payer when they send interest on refunds.

I had this exact same issue last year! After spending hours trying to figure it out, I found this tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that saved me so much frustration. I uploaded my confusing 1099-INT from the IRS, and it immediately identified all the fields including explaining that the Payer's Federal Identification Number is indeed the TIN I needed. The system breaks down each field on tax documents and explains exactly what they mean and where they go in your tax return. It also told me that I wasn't alone - apparently this is one of the most common confusions with 1099-INT forms from tax refunds! The tool handles tons of tax documents beyond just 1099-INTs too.

I wanted to follow up about that taxr.ai site that I was skeptical about. I actually tried it with a stack of confusing investment forms I had, and wow - I'm impressed! Not only did it explain what the Payer's TIN was (just like you needed), but it helped me understand all these obscure boxes on my brokerage statements. The system even flagged a potential reporting error on one of my 1099-B forms that I would have completely missed. The explanations were super clear and I finally understood where everything needed to go in TurboTax. Definitely worth trying if you're confused about any tax forms!

If you're still having trouble with this or any other IRS questions, I had great success using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to actually speak with an IRS agent directly. I was getting nowhere trying to figure out how some interest from a previous year's amended return should be reported. After waiting on hold for HOURS with the IRS multiple times and getting disconnected, I was ready to give up. Then I found Claimyr, which basically waits on hold with the IRS for you and then calls you when an actual agent is on the line. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent I spoke with explained exactly how to handle the 1099-INT and confirmed that the Payer's Federal ID Number is indeed the TIN. Saved me so much time and frustration!

I need to eat my words about Claimyr. After my skeptical comment, I was desperate enough to try it because my tax return was stuck in processing for months due to an identity verification issue. I used the service yesterday, and I'm still in shock that it actually worked! After 3 months of failing to reach anyone at the IRS, I got a call back in about 2 hours connecting me directly to an IRS representative. She verified my identity on the spot and told me my refund would be processed within 9 weeks. While I had her on the phone, I also asked about the Payer's TIN issue on 1099-INT forms, and she confirmed what others said - the Payer's Federal Identification Number is exactly what you need. Literally saved me months of stress!

Just want to add one important tip about the 1099-INT from IRS refunds: make sure you actually report it! I mistakenly thought that since it came from the IRS, I didn't need to include it on my return. Got a notice a few months later saying I underreported my income. The interest from delayed tax refunds is fully taxable, even though the refund itself isn't income. Learned that the hard way!

Does anyone know what tax rate applies to this interest income from IRS refunds? Is it treated differently than regular interest?