EIN vs ITIN vs SSN: What North Miami Filers Need to Know
Three-letter tax IDs get mixed up constantly. Here's the plain-English difference between SSN, EIN, and ITIN.
SSN — for individuals eligible to work in the US
Issued by SSA. Required for W-2 employment and full Social Security benefits.
EIN — for businesses
Issued by IRS. Every business entity needs one. Sole proprietors can use their SSN but shouldn't — an EIN protects your personal number.
ITIN — for individuals with tax obligations but no SSN eligibility
Issued by IRS. Used for filing personal taxes, opening bank accounts, and claiming certain credits.
Can one person have all three?
Not simultaneously an SSN and an ITIN — the ITIN retires once you get an SSN. A person can absolutely have an SSN (or ITIN) for personal taxes AND an EIN for their business.
Which do you need?
Starting a business = EIN. Filing personal taxes without work eligibility = ITIN. Working legally in the US = SSN. Still unsure? Book a free 15-minute call.