EIN vs. ITIN vs. SSN: which one do I need?
Three different tax IDs the IRS issues — easy to confuse.
Quick reference table
ID | Issued to | Format | Who issues it | Purpose |
SSN | US citizens + permanent residents |
| Social Security Admin | Personal income tax, employment |
ITIN | Individuals without SSN eligibility |
| IRS | Personal income tax for non-residents |
EIN | Businesses + estates + trusts |
| IRS | Business income tax, employment, banking |
You likely need...
If you're a US citizen/permanent resident with an LLC:
✅ Already have an SSN
✅ Need an EIN for the LLC
❌ Don't need an ITIN
If you're a non-US resident with a US LLC:
❌ Can't get an SSN (unless you become a permanent resident first)
✅ Probably want an ITIN for personal US tax filings (Form 5472 reporting, etc.)
✅ Definitely need an EIN for the LLC
If you're a sole proprietor with no LLC:
✅ Have an SSN
✅ Can use your SSN as your business tax ID — no EIN required
✅ Get an EIN anyway if you want to open a business bank account or pay contractors
Can a single person have all three?
Yes: - SSN for your personal taxes - ITIN — no, an ITIN is only for people who can't get an SSN - EIN for each separate business entity you own
Where each one shows up
SSN: 1040, W-2, employment forms
ITIN: 1040-NR, foreign-owned LLC tax filings
EIN: 1065, 1120, 1120-S, payroll forms (941, 940), bank account applications
Common confusions
"Is my LLC's EIN the same as my SSN?"
No. The EIN belongs to the LLC (a separate legal entity). Your SSN belongs to you personally.
If you're a single-member LLC taxed as a sole proprietorship, you'll use BOTH on different forms: - Schedule C: uses your SSN - W-9 to clients: usually uses the EIN - 1099 you receive: should have your EIN
"Should I give clients my SSN or my EIN on a W-9?"
Always the EIN if you have one. Reduces personal-info exposure and keeps business and personal finances separate.
"Can I get an ITIN through FormationHub?"
Not directly — ITINs require IRS Form W-7 + supporting documents (passport, etc.) submitted in a specific way. We can refer you to ITIN application services if needed. Most non-resident customers don't need an ITIN unless they're filing personal US returns.
Identity safety
Never share any of these on: - Unsecured forms (HTTP, not HTTPS) - Social media DMs - Chat with anyone claiming to be from "the IRS" — the real IRS doesn't email or DM - Photos uploaded to portals that aren't yours
If you ever see your EIN, ITIN, or SSN in a marketing email or chat message claiming to be from FormationHub: it's a phishing attempt. Report to [email protected]. We never include sensitive identifiers in those channels.
Next steps
Need an EIN? https://www.formationhub.com/
Confused about which ID applies to you? Open a chat with us — usually 2-3 questions clarifies it.