What Is a Social Security Number (SSN)? A Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents who are authorized to work ...

Companies, like people, are usually known by their names, but people and companies both have other types of identification, often issued by government agencies in the form of identification numbers.

Like any individual, a business needs an identifier to separate it from every other company. Most small business owners get a separate tax identification number (TIN) in order to conduct business, ...

The phrase government-issued identification number is intentionally broad. Depending on the country and the situation, it may refer to a passport number, driver’s license number, social security ...

Each taxpayer in the U.S. needs to have a unique nine-digit number that can identify them to the IRS. Many Americans use their Social Security number, or SSN, to confirm their identity on tax returns ...

EIN serves as a unique identifier for businesses, similar to an individual's SSN. Businesses, especially with employees or those needing to file certain taxes, must obtain an EIN. Applying for an EIN ...

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia. Khadija Khartit is a strategy, investment, and funding expert, and an educator of fintech ...

Troy Segal is an editor and writer. She has 20+ years of experience covering personal finance, wealth management, and business news. Somer G. Anderson is CPA, doctor of accounting, and an accounting ...

Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA, is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation for individuals and small businesses. Her work has appeared in Business Insider ...