is a taxpayer identification number the same as a social security number 
a social security number is an example of a tin it allows individuals to seek employment in the united states to obtain credit with banks and other lenders and file income tax returns the bottom linea taxpayer identification number or tin is necessary to work in the united states and file a tax return individuals can get a social security number through the social security administration or obtain an individual taxpayer identification number or a number for a business directly from the irs 