February 6, 2026

Where Can I Find The Tax Identification Number?

For most government and financial-related processes in Canada, such as filing taxes, opening a registered account, applying for any government benefits, or starting a new job, the one thing common is that you would be asked for your Tax Identification Number (TIN). A lot of taxpayers get confused about what a TIN is, where you can find it, whether there are different types of TINs in Canada, and what to do if you have lost yours.

This guide by Taxccount Canada will help you answer all these questions and give you all the relevant information regarding your tax identification number.

What Is Tax Identification Number (TIN)?

It is a unique number used by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to identify different individuals and businesses for taxation. The important thing to know is that there is no one universal Tax Identification Number in Canada. Different identifiers are used based on factors like whether you are an individual, a business owner, or a non-resident.

The main purpose of TIN is to help CRA track income, tax filing, benefits, and compliance in an accurate and efficient way.

Types Of Tax Identification Numbers In Canada

There are different types of TIN in Canada, and before you apply for yours, it would be beneficial to know which of these applies to you.

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Social Insurance Number (SIN)

For most Canadian individuals, it is the Social Insurance Number (SIN) that serves as their main Tax Identification Number.

  • It is a 9-digit number that’s issued by the Government of Canada.
  • It would be required for filing your personal income tax returns each year.
  • Will be used for employment, availing government benefits, and opening registered accounts.

If you fall in any of these categories – a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a temporary resident authorized to work in Canada- then your SIN is your TIN.

Individual Tax Number (ITN)

For individuals who are not eligible for a SIN but still need to file their taxes in Canada, the CRA issues an Individual Tax Number (ITN). It also acts as a Tax Identification Number for filing your taxes.

The ITN is usually issued to –

  • Non-residents who are earning Canadian income
  • International students without a work permit
  • Spouses or dependants without a SIN

To know more about the ITN and whether you qualify for it or not, get in touch with the Taxccount Canada team, and we would be happy to help you.

Business Number (BN)

For business owners in Canada, a Business Number (BN) serves as the TIN for all business-related taxes.

  • It is a 9-digit number that’s issued by the CRA.
  • It is used for corporate tax, GST/ HST, payroll, and import/ export accounts.

In some cases, the BN may have extensions like –

  • RT for GST/ HST
  • RP for payroll
  • RC for corporate income tax

You can find out more about all of these by getting professional guidance from an expert tax accountant, like the team at Taxccount Canada.

Trust Account Number

If you are someone who manages a trust in Canada, then the CRA will issue a Trust Account Number to you, which will serve as the TIN for all the trust filings.

Where Can I Find My TIN?

Many people don’t know that the location of your TIN depends on the type of TIN that applies to you.

Finding Your SIN

So, where can you find your SIN?

  • The SIN confirmation letter that you received from Service Canada
  • T4 slips issued by your employer
  • Previous Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the CRA
  • In your CRA My Account

Note – Physical SIN cards are no longer issued, and that’s why it’s recommended to avoid carrying your SIN unnecessarily to prevent identity theft.

Finding Your ITN

Finding your Individual Tax Number is also quite easy. You can find out on –

  • The CRA correspondence that confirms ITN issuance
  • Previous years’ tax returns filed using ITN
  • Notice of Assessment or Reassessment

If you cannot find your ITN, you can directly contact the CRA to retrieve it. And you can also take professional help from Taxccount Canada specialists.

Finding Your BN

The different ways to find your BN are –

  • CRA business registration confirmation
  • Official CRA correspondence
  • CRA My Business Account
  • GST/ HST, payroll, or corporate tax returns

For a registered business online, the BN number is issued immediately.

How To Find Your TIN Online?

It is extremely easy to access your TIN through CRA’s online services.

  • CRA My Account – for individuals (SIN or ITN)
  • CRA My Business Account – for businesses (BN)

You can also do the following on the CRA portal –

  • View your tax returns and assessments
  • Update your personal or business details
  • Track the refunds and balances owing

What If You Lose Your Tax Identification Number?

If you have misplaced your TIN, please don’t panic. Here are some options –

  • SIN – Contact the Service Canada team to retrieve or confirm your SIN
  • ITN – You can call the CRA or even submit a written application with your proper identification
  • BN – Get in touch with the CRA’s business enquiries line or check My Business Account

Do not apply for a new TIN unless you are instructed to do so. Having multiple identifiers may lead to tax complications.

Keep Your TIN Secure

Your TIN is confidential and sensitive information, so you need to be careful. Do not share it, as it can lead to identity theft and tax fraud.

  • Only share your TIB when it is legally required
  • Store the TIN-related documents securely
  • Don’t fall prey to email and phone call scams that request your TIN

The Taxccount Canada team can help you locate or recover your TIN and apply for an ITN or BN, so get in touch today.

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This is general information only and not professional advice. Consult a professional before acting.