This is the quickest way. Go to the official tax website for your country. In the U.S., that’s irs.gov. Create or log into your online account. If you forgot your password, click “forgot password” and answer three security questions. One of them will be “What was your childhood pet’s name?” Mine was “Cheese.” You’re welcome.
Once inside, look for “View Tax Information.” Your TIN will be displayed in big bold numbers. It feels like winning a small lottery. Celebrate with a fist pump.
What If You’ve Never Had One?
If you’re a newborn, an immigrant, or a time traveler, you may not have one yet. You’ll need to apply. Fill out Form SS-5 for a Social Security Number. Or Form W-7 for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This is paperwork, but paperwork with a purpose.
How to Compute Income Tax Under TRAIN Law - Useful Wall
Quirky detail: the first TINs were issued in 1936. They were called “fanny numbers” because they went with your “fanny pack” of records. Okay, I made that up. But imagine a world where your tax ID came in a little vinyl wallet. We could bring that back.
