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Tax numbers are confusing for many. How do you tell the difference between a Social Security Number, Employer Identification Number, and Tax Identification Number? Can you use them interchangeably? You might wonder, “Do I need an SSN, EIN, or ITIN?” Read on to understand the difference between EIN, SSN, and ITIN and when you’ll need each.

Understanding Tax Identification Number (TIN)

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique number identifying an individual, business entity, or non-profit organization. Each person or company must have its own TIN. Taxpayer identification numbers are available from any country, but the application process and format vary.

In the US, anyone filing annual tax returns with the IRS must have a TIN. These include SSN, EIN, ITIN, ATIN, and PTIN. The IRS uses these nine-digit numbers to track taxpayers.

The two most common US tax identification numbers are Social Security Numbers (SSN) and Employer Identification Numbers (EIN). In addition, the US issues an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to nonresidents or resident aliens, their spouses, and children if they meet certain criteria. You may also be eligible for a TIN for pending US adoptions, called an ATIN. There’s also a preparer Taxpayer Identification Number called PTIN.

What Is a Social Security Number (SSN)?

A Social Security Number, commonly abbreviated as SSN, is issued to individuals. US citizens, permanent residents, and some temporary residents can apply for a Social Security Number. SSNs are the only US TIN that the IRS doesn’t issue. Instead, SSNs are issued by the Social Security Administration. A Social Security Number is formatted in nine digits with a structure that looks like XXX-XX-XXXX.

Do I Need an SSN?

You’ll need an SSN for legal US employment or to take advantage of other government services. All US citizens, permanent residents, and temporary nonimmigrant workers need a Social Security Number.

Children need a Social Security Number or an ITIN for parents to claim them as a dependent and gain some tax benefits. That means most parents will apply for an SSN for their child. It’s free to apply for an SSN. However, you could also pay for a service to complete the application process for you.

According to the Social Security Administration, people who can apply for an SSN include:

• Noncitizens
• International students
• Foreign workers
• Citizen children
• Deferred action for childhood arrivals applicants

Understanding Tax Identification Number (TIN)

A Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique number identifying an individual, business entity, or non-profit organization. Each person or company must have its own TIN. Taxpayer identification numbers are available from any country, but the application process and format vary.

In the US, anyone filing annual tax returns with the IRS must have a TIN. These include SSN, EIN, ITIN, ATIN, and PTIN. The IRS uses these nine-digit numbers to track taxpayers.

The two most common US tax identification numbers are Social Security Numbers (SSN) and Employer Identification Numbers (EIN). In addition, the US issues an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to nonresidents or resident aliens, their spouses, and children if they meet certain criteria. You may also be eligible for a TIN for pending US adoptions, called an ATIN. There’s also a preparer Taxpayer Identification Number called PTIN.

Unsupervised Machine Learning (ML) enhances cloud security

Unlike supervised ML, which relies on labeled datasets, unsupervised ML identifies patterns and deviations in data without predefined rules, making it particularly effective in dynamic and unpredictable environments like the cloud. By analyzing the baseline behavior in cloud environments, such as typical user activity, network traffic, and resource utilization, unsupervised ML and supporting models can identify behavioral deviations linked to suspicious activity like unusual login times, irregular API calls, or unexpected data transfers, therefore flagging them as potential threats.

Learn more about how multi-layered ML improves real-time cloud detection and response in the data sheet “AI enhances cloud security.”