> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.idenfy.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# TIN and EIN Verification

> Verify tax identifiers for companies worldwide — VAT for EU businesses and EIN for US businesses — using a single TIN field in the iDenfy KYB flow.

## How the System Handles Tax Identifiers

The system uses a **single field — TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number)** — for all tax identifiers. There is no separate VAT field. What gets validated is determined automatically based on the company's country:

| Company country                | Validation performed |
| ------------------------------ | -------------------- |
| United States                  | EIN verification     |
| EU member state (27 countries) | VAT validation       |
| All other countries            | No tax ID validation |

When building a KYB workflow, **configure the TIN field only** — the system handles VAT vs. EIN routing automatically.

### EU Countries (VAT Validation)

VAT validation applies to the 27 EU member states:

`AT` `BE` `BG` `HR` `CY` `CZ` `DK` `EE` `FI` `FR` `DE` `GR` `HU` `IE` `IT` `LV` `LT` `LU` `MT` `NL` `PL` `PT` `RO` `SK` `SI` `ES` `SE`

**Notable exclusions — no VAT validation runs for these:**

* **EEA non-EU countries:** Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
* **Non-EU Balkans:** Serbia, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Kosovo

<Note>
  EU Balkan members **are** included: Bulgaria (`BG`), Croatia (`HR`), Romania (`RO`), and Slovenia (`SI`) all receive VAT validation.
</Note>

### Troubleshooting: VAT Validation Unexpectedly Skipping

If VAT validation is not running for an EU company, check:

1. Is the **country field** set correctly to one of the 27 EU member state codes?
2. Is the **TIN field populated** and at least 2 characters long?

***

## Using a Company's EIN (Tax ID)

EIN verification is only available for businesses registered in the **United States**. If a non-US company is submitted, the system will return: *"EIN verification is available for US companies only."*

### Add an EIN to Your KYB Workflow

When creating a custom KYB [**workflow**](/guides/dashboard/setup/setup-workflow), you can request an **EIN** in various sections:

* **Company Information**
* **Sole Proprietorship Details**
* **Ownership Structure**

Once configured, this field will be **mandatory** for U.S. companies. After setup, you can create a verification session:

* **Via the dashboard**
* **Through an API call**

### Verify TIN with iDenfy KYB

**Direct Input by the Client -** During the KYB verification process, clients can add their **EIN** directly in the highlighted field.

**Manual Input by You -** If a company provides additional information separately, you can manually upload their EIN (with consent).

1. Edit **TIN** for Individuals in the Ownership Structure
2. Edit TIN for individuals
3. Select the individual for whom to add TIN

<Note>
  **Limitation**

  EIN / TIN **does not work** as a standalone feature, and **can not** be used outside the KYB verification
</Note>

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/idenfy/K_tRuchpbv9NvRL_/images/guides/tin-ein-verification--59846bb4-0a12-4bf3-8c5f-b4e260679c5d.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=K_tRuchpbv9NvRL_&q=85&s=6805305bb7019151c268dccbce74c254" alt="image-20250904-105312.png" width="1405" height="1108" data-path="images/guides/tin-ein-verification--59846bb4-0a12-4bf3-8c5f-b4e260679c5d.png" />

***

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/idenfy/K_tRuchpbv9NvRL_/images/guides/tin-ein-verification--image-20250904-105312.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=K_tRuchpbv9NvRL_&q=85&s=0cc29f160bf6ded1408f4f14e94dd4a6" alt="image-20250904-120551.png" width="1000" height="627" data-path="images/guides/tin-ein-verification--image-20250904-105312.png" />

***

## Understanding TIN and EIN

## What Is a TIN?

A **Tax Identification Number (TIN)** is a unique number used by [**tax authorities**](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/employer-identification-number) to identify individuals and entities for tax purposes. In the **United States**, there are different types of TINs based on who is paying taxes:

* **SSN (Social Security Number)** – For U.S. citizens and residents who pay taxes as individuals.
* **ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)** – For non-U.S. residents who are not eligible for an SSN but still need to pay U.S. taxes.
* **EIN (Employer Identification Number)** – For companies, organizations, and other entities that need to pay taxes or hire employees.

***

## What Is an EIN?

An **Employer Identification Number (EIN)** is a federal tax identification number assigned by the **IRS** to businesses operating in the United States. It is closely tied to the **TIN** and is essential for tax reporting, banking, and business operations.

**Key Facts:**

* Required for most businesses, especially those with employees.
* Used by corporations, partnerships, LLCs, nonprofits, trusts, estates, and other legal entities.
* Sole proprietors without employees may not need an EIN but are strongly encouraged to get one.

***

## Entities That Require an EIN

* All **corporations** and **partnerships**
* **LLCs** with employees or multiple members
* **Sole proprietors** with employees
* **Nonprofits, trusts, and estates**
* Certain other registered entities

### Entities That May Not Require an EIN

* Sole proprietors with no employees and not taxed as a corporation
* LLCs without employees and not taxed as a corporation

***

## Why EIN Verification Matters

An EIN is essential for businesses in the U.S. that are legally required to pay taxes. Even in cases where a **Social Security Number (SSN)** could be used, obtaining an EIN is highly recommended because:

* **Banking**: Most U.S. banks require an EIN to open a business account.
* **Hiring**: Mandatory for hiring employees.
* **Tax Filing**: Required for filing business taxes.
* **Security**: Separates personal and business finances for sole proprietors.
* **Growth**: Simplifies future scaling and compliance.

Without an EIN, businesses may face **unnecessary complications** when expanding or managing operations.