Is EIN the Same as a Tax ID (TIN)

Oct. 8, 2025, 7:09 p.m.
No, an EIN (Employer Identification Number) is not exactly the same as a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) — but they are related.
EIN online

Key Difference:

  • TIN is a broad term used by the IRS for any number used to identify a taxpayer.

  • EIN is a type of TIN, specifically for businesses and certain entities.

Types of TINs include:

TIN Type Full Name Used For
SSN Social Security Number Individuals (U.S. citizens and some residents)
ITIN Individual Taxpayer Identification Number Non-resident and resident aliens (who can't get SSNs)
EIN Employer Identification Number Businesses, nonprofits, trusts, estates, etc.
ATIN Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number Adoptive parents (temporary use)
PTIN Preparer Tax Identification Number Paid tax return preparers

 So, in short:

All EINs are TINs, but not all TINs are EINs.

 When You Might See This Confusion:

  • On IRS forms, you may be asked for your TIN — and depending on who you are, that could be your SSN, ITIN, or EIN.

  • Business owners use EIN as their TIN.

  • Individuals use SSN or ITIN as their TIN.