What is TIN (Tax Identification Number) and How to Find Yours

A country guide for individuals and businesses

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Whether you're a sole trader just starting out or an established multinational enterprise, you need a Tax ID number (TIN). These digits are unique identifiers used by government agencies and taxpayers to track finances across borders.In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of TINs, including how to get it, and why it's important.Why is my bank asking for my TIN number?Your bank might be asking for your Tax ID Number (TIN) for a few reasons:
  • Anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations: It's a way for banks to verify your identity and prevent money laundering.
  • Tax Time: Banks need your TIN to report any interest you've earned to the tax authorities. TINs come in many forms. Depending on which country you are in, your TIN might be a Social Security Administration Number (SSN) or a National Insurance Number (NIN).
  • Tax Withholding: It helps banks determine the correct amount of tax to withhold from your interest or dividend payments.
In this article:
  • TIN by selected countries
  • FAQ: TIN and other identification numbers in Europe and their use
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Where can I find my tax identification number? TIN by country

For companies, the fastest way to find their TIN number is to google the official business name (e.g., "Narvi Payments Oy Ab") and check company registration numbers. Then, google "tax office + your country + company TIN number" to find which registration number you need. Use official sources such as your local tax office first.As a backup, check and verify tax numbers via resources such as Tax ID Pro and Lookup Tax.Let's look at how to find your tax ID number no matter where in the world you are.

Personal Taxpayers:Unified Civil Number (UCN): You can find it in Bulgarian identity documents, like an ID card or passport.Commercial Entities:Unified Identification Code (UIC): This number is visible in official documents like certificates issued by the National Revenue Agency or Registry Agency. This may also act as a VAT identifier if they are VAT-registered.TIN Number Format and Structure:Natural persons have ten digits, while entities have nine. The format is 9999999999.

Personal Taxpayers:The TIN is not present on all identity documents but mainly appears on tax-related documents, such as tax returns and official correspondence from the tax authorities.Commercial Entities:This TIN is displayed on previous tax returns.TIN Number Format and Structure:Begins with a 9-digit code followed by a letter (e.g., 12345678X).

Personal Taxpayers:In the Czech Republic, the 6 numbers of the birth date, followed by four additional digits (in the format YYMMDDXXXX), is generally used as the TIN.Commercial Entities:Here the IČO (Business Identification Number), managed by the Czech Business Register, is used. However, the actual TIN for tax purposes might sometimes include additional prefixes when used in certain tax contexts.TIN Number Format and Structure:For natural persons, 9 digits for those born before 1954, and a 10-digit number after. Legal entities receive a 9-digit number. The format is 9999999/999 or 999999/9999.

Personal Taxpayers:The TIN is usually the Estonian Personal Identification Code, found on official documents like national ID cards, and used for tax, healthcare, and other government services.Commercial Entities:The TIN is the company code assigned by the Estonian Business Register found on official documents.​ This number is used for tax and administrative purposes and appears on official documents, such as business registration certificates. The company code also doubles as the VAT number for businesses registered for VAT, though it typically includes the prefix “EE” in VAT-related contexts.TIN Number Format and Structure:11 digits, with the format GYYMMDDSSSC.

Personal Taxpayers:The TIN for individuals is based on the national identification number, which is also the Finnish Personal Identity Code.You can find it on official identification documents, including:
  • Identity Card 
  • Passport 
  • Driving Licence
Commercial Entities:Businesses receive a Business ID (Business Identity Code) upon registering in the Business Information System.The business ID can be found on official business documents and is on the public register, available on YTJ's website.TIN Number Format and Structure:For natural persons, the format is YYMMDDCXXXXY, where C represents the century of birth (+, -, or A), and Y is an alphanumeric check digit. Companies have a format of 7 digits followed by a dash and a control digit (e.g., 1234567-8).

Personal Taxpayers:The French tax authorities issue a Tax Identification Number (TIN), also known as the numéro fiscal or SPI (Simplification des Procédures d’Imposition), to every individual with tax obligations in France. This applies to both residents and non-residents who have income or assets in France, such as property owners or businesses. These can be found on:The pre-filled income tax return (under the field “N° Fiscal Déclarant).Commercial Entities:The tax assessment notice for income, residence, or property tax (under the field “Numéro fiscal”).TIN Number Format and Structure:Known as Numéro Fiscal, the TIN consists of 13 numerals (format: 99 99 999 999 999) for natural persons. The number for entities consists of 9 numerals (format 999 999 999).

Personal Taxpayers:While not printed on official ID documents, taxpayers are informed of their PPS no. following the registration process for social welfare, tax, or other public services. It can also be found on tax return forms. Commercial Entities:Non-natural persons like a registered company, limited company, partnerships, trusts, and unincorporated bodies must register for tax with the Revenue Commissioners. Upon registration, a TRN is issued and used for tax purposes. The TIN for businesses is often the VAT registration number, used only for tax purposes.TIN Number Format and Structure:For natural and non-natural persons, the TIN begins with 7 digits followed by 1-2 letters (e.g., 1234567WA). 

Personal Taxpayers:The Italian Tax Number is a personal code used for identification in all dealings. It's the Italian Health Card (Tessera Sanitaria) if enrolled in the national health system. TIN may be found also on Electronic Identity Card, on residence permit and on National Service Card.Commercial Entities:TIN (Codice Fiscale) is registered in the Italian Tax Register managed by the Italian Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate). You can find it on the certificate called Certificato di attribuzione del codice fiscale. TIN Number Format and Structure:Natural persons use the Codice Fiscale, which includes letters and digits in the format AAA-BBB-CCCCC-DDD-EE. Companies have an 11-digit TIN.

Personal Taxpayers:For natural persons, the TIN is issued to residents at birth. 
  • Passports (photo page)
  • Social security cards
Commercial Entities:For companies, the TIN is the Legal Entity Code, which is obtained by registering the business with Lithuania’s State Enterprise Centre of Registers (SECR), also known as the Register of Legal Entities.For businesses, the Legal Entity Code can be accessed through SECR’s records or business registration documentation.TIN Number Format and Structure:For natural persons and entities, the TIN follows 10 digits.

Personal Taxpayers:Luxembourg uses a national identification number (commonly referred to as a "matricule" number). This number doubles as a TIN for tax purposes. Commercial Entities:VAT numbers or similar identifiers for business purposes are the primary identifiers for entities engaged in taxable business activities.TIN Number Format and Structure:For individuals, a unique 13-digit number.For businesses, Luxembourg’s VAT numbers usually begin with the "LU" prefix, followed by eight digits, with the final two functioning as check digits.

Personal Taxpayers:
  • The tax registration number for Maltese citizens and residents is normally their ID Number; thus such persons need not register for a tax number as this service is automated.
  • In the case of foreigners, these are generally issued with a nine (9) digit number.
  • The number can be found in the passport, ID card, and individual tax return form.
Commercial Entities:Newly formed entities that register with the Maltese Registry of Companies are automatically registered with the local IRD office. Find yours on the entity's tax return form (the "Ref.no" field).TIN Number Format and Structure:For Maltese nationals, TINs consist of 8 characters—7 digits—and 1 letter (M, G, A, P, L, H, B, Z). For non-Maltese nationals and entities, it is 9 digits (999999999).

Personal Taxpayers:The Polish TIN for individuals is the PESEL, often found on government-issued IDs. Commercial Entities:For VAT-registered taxpayers and other entities, the tax identifier is the NIP (Numer Identyfikacji Podatkowej). The NIP is found on tax-related documents​.TIN Number Format and Structure:Natural persons use the PESEL, which is 11 digits long, and businesses have a 10-digit NIP.

Personal Taxpayers:
  • Citizen card (issued by the Ministry of Justice)
  • Taxpayer card (issued by the Ministry of Finance—Tax and Customs Authority)
Commercial Entities:
  • Society card (issued by the Ministry of Justice)
  • Corporation tax card (issued by the Ministry of Justice)
TIN Number Format and Structure:The TIN (NIF) is a 9-digit number used for natural persons and businesses alike.

Personal Taxpayers:Slovak residents have personal identification numbers for tax purposes, which can be found on the following official documents:
  • Confirmation of Registration: Issued by the Financial Administration, this document includes the assigned TIN.
Commercial Entities:Legal entities are issued unique tax IDs upon registration.​
  • Invoices: According to the VAT Act (222/2004 Coll.), the TIN must be present on all invoices issued.
TIN Number Format and Structure:TINs are 9 or 10 digits long for natural persons and legal entities. 9999999999 10 digits: 999999/999(9). 

Personal Taxpayers:
  • National Identity Card (DNI): Issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
  • Tax ID Number Card: Provided by the Tax Administration for those who do not possess a DNI.
Commercial Entities:Entity Identification Documents: The TIN is issued by the Tax Administration and can be found on official registration documents for the entity.TIN Number Format and Structure:For natural persons, the TIN (NIF) begins with a letter, followed by 7 digits and a check letter (e.g., X1234567Y). For non-natural persons, an initial letter + 7 numbers + control character 

Personal Taxpayers:The UK lacks a universal TIN but uses NIN for Personal Taxpayers.National Insurance Number (NINO): You can find the NINO on a National Insurance card, payslip, or any correspondence from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or HMRC.Commercial Entities:Companies House also assigns a Company Number to registered companies.
  • The HMRC issues a UTR for businesses and self-employed persons. These both function as tax identifiers.
  • Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR):
You can find the UTR on tax return documents (SA100 or CT600), on a "Notice to Complete Tax Return" (SA316 or CT603), or on a Statement of Account. Look for headings like "Tax Reference," "UTR," or "Official Use. Find the Company Number on the company's certificate of incorporation, Companies House records or company stationery.TIN Number Format and Structure:The UK does not issue a TIN. Instead, the HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) issues a National Insurance Number (NI) for natural persons, which follows a format of two letters, six digits, and a final letter (e.g., AB123456C). Or the Unique Tax Payer reference (UTR) which is 10 numerals.

Personal Taxpayers:The Emirates does not issue TINs. Non-tax-resident entities typically rely on a tax residency certificate for international transactions.Commercial Entities:Entities receive a TRN and a VAT number if they are VAT-registered. The Tax Registration Number is essential for identifying the business for VAT purposes and must be included on VAT invoices, returns, and other VAT-related documents. TIN Number Format and Structure:The format of the TRN/VAT Number is as follows: 123456789012345. The first three digits(123) represent the tax authority (FTA), the next nine digits (456789012) are a unique identifier for the business, and the final three digits (345) are check digits calculated based on the previous nine digits.

In the United States, various forms of TINs are used.Personal Taxpayers:SSNs found on Social Security cards.Commercial Entities:There is EIN for businesses and ITIN for non-residents. These are issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and are found on business-related documents. TIN Number Format and Structure:Social Security Number (SSN) format is XXX-XX-XXXX; Employer Identification Number (EIN) follows XX-XXXXXXX; and Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) starts with 9 in the format 9XX-XX-XXXX.
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FAQ

In the US, your Social Security Number (SSN) is usually your TIN. But for businesses, trusts, and estates, it's an Employer ID Number (EIN).

In the US, an EIN is a type of TIN. It's for businesses, while SSNs/ITINs are for natural persons.

  • TIN: A global term for tax identification numbers.
  • UTR: Specific to the UK for tax purposes.

In the UK, the tax laws get a bit more complicated:
  • TIN: A broad term for any UK tax ID.
  • NINO: Your personal ID for taxes, benefits, and pensions.
  • UTR: Your unique ID for self-assessment tax returns.

For companies: apply for an EIN (US) or UTR (UK) through the local tax authorities.For individuals: in the UK, you'll get a NINO number automatically when you turn 16. For self-assessment, you'll need a UTR. Non-UK residents can apply through HMRC.

When it comes to tax affairs, you'll need a TIN when:
  • You're Making Money: Whether it's a full-time job, entrepreneurship, a side hustle, or investments.
  • You're a Business Owner: For self-employed individuals or a beneficial owner.
  • You're Filing Taxes: To pay your fair share of taxes.
  • You're Banking: Banks typically require a TIN to open an account.
  • You're Claiming Benefits: Many government benefits require a TIN.

  • Tax Filing: Individuals and businesses must provide a TIN on their tax returns.
  • Employment: Employees need a TIN for tax withholding and reporting.
  • Financial Institutions: Banks, brokerages, and investment firms require a TIN for account opening and tax reporting.
  • Self-Employment: Self-employed people must provide a TIN for tax filing and estimated tax payments.
  • Government Payments: Recipients of government benefits (e.g., Social Security) may need a TIN.
  • Education: Students and institutions may require a TIN for tax credits and deductions.
  • Child Support: TINs may be necessary for child support payments and enforcement.
  • Immigration: TINs might be needed for certain immigration-related applications.
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Purpose and Functions of TIN Numbers

A TIN is your personal tax account ID. It's like a unique fingerprint that helps governments keep track of your finances.
Tracking tax obligationsTINs help governments monitor your income from various sources, ensuring you pay the right amount of tax.
Identifying taxpayersGovernments use TINs to identify and prevent tax evasion.
Facilitating tax administrationTINs help governments determine your eligibility for tax credits and deductions.
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Key Takeaways: TIN is Your Unique Tax ID

A TIN is a unique number used by governments to track taxes. It's essential for:
  • Filing Taxes: Both personal and business returns.
  • Business Operations: Opening bank accounts and getting loans.
  • Government Benefits: Claiming tax credits and benefits.
  • Where to Find Your TIN:
  • Check Your Documents: Look at your passport, ID card, or tax returns.
  • Contact Tax Authorities: Reach out to your local tax office.
  • Online Platforms: Use government websites for tax services.
Remember, TINs vary by country and are crucial for tax compliance and financial transactions.
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Published November 5, 2024Authors
  • Valeriya Kushchuk, now Narvi's Digital Marketing Manager, previously a business reporter and marketer in the crypto space.
  • Sarah Ruthe, content editor who writes for Narvi about money and payments.
Disclaimer
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, or other professional advice from Narvi Payments Oy Ab or its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
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