TINS Inquiry Web-Based Training
Lesson 1: What Is TINS?
Components of a TIN
The 11-digit TIN is consists of three components:
One-digit PREFIX + nine-digit BASE NUMBER + one-digit CHECK DIGIT = 11-digit TIN
The following table shows the relationships between these components. All TINs have a system-assigned check digit as the 11th digit using an algorithm that ensures each TIN is unique.
| PREFIX (one digit) |
BASE NUMBER (nine digits) |
CHECK DIGIT (one digit) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | EIN | System assigned |
| 2a | SSN or ITIN | System assigned |
| 3b | Comptroller-assigned or agency repeater TIN | System assigned |
| 7c | System-assigned for SSN- and ITIN-based numbers | System assigned |
aThe 2 prefix TINs for an SSN or ITIN are allowed only on inquiry screens and are required on some EFT transactions.
bThe 3 prefix Comptroller-assigned TINs are used for various reasons including:
- As Comptroller taxpayer numbers, they are restricted to Comptroller use only.
- As state agencies’ 3 TIN based on their three-digit agency number.
- For foreign entities and individuals who do not qualify for an EIN, SSN or ITIN and are due a state payment.
cThe 7 prefix TINs are system-assigned to protect SSNs and ITINs by converting the payees’ 2 prefix TINs to an 11-digit 7 TIN.
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