Close Window
Social Security Number (SSN)
Print Window

Social Security Number (SSN)

  1. What is a SSN?

    2. SSN stands for Social Security Number. A SSN is a nine-digit number that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires of all individuals to identify their tax accounts with the IRS.

    The SSN is one of two (2) identification numbers assigned by the IRS which are known collectively as Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN). The other identifier is the Employer Identification Number (EIN).

    Back to Top

  2. Why is it necessary to supply a SSN?

    3. The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA) requires the FCC to collect this information. Congress enacted the DCIA to improve collection of delinquent government debts. As a result of the DCIA, the FCC and other executive agencies collect the SSN from each individual or organization doing business with a federal agency, including applicants for, or recipients of, a federal license or permit.

    Back to Top

  3. What if I do not have a SSN?

    4. In the unlikely event that you do not have a SSN, you will be permitted to indicate the reason. The options include: applied for, exempted activities, the individual is a petitioner, or the individual is foreign.

    Back to Top

  4. Will anybody see my SSN?

    5. When registering as an individual or business, the Social Security Number is confidential and cannot be viewed by the public.

    Back to Top

  5. I am registered and have my FRN. However, I subsequently realized that I provided the FCC with an incorrect SSN. What can I do?

    6. Once logged into the Commission Registration System, you can update your SSN and submit the change.

    Back to Top

Close Window
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Print Window

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

  1. What is an EIN?

    2. EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. An EIN is a nine-digit number that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires of all businesses and other employers to identify their tax accounts with the IRS.

    The EIN is one of two (2) identification numbers assigned by the IRS which are known collectively as Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN). The other identifier is the Social Security Number (SSN).

    Back to Top

  2. Why is it necessary to supply an EIN?

    3. The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA) requires the FCC to collect this information. Congress enacted the DCIA to improve collection of delinquent government debts. As a result of the DCIA, the FCC and other executive agencies collect the EIN from each individual or organization doing business with a federal agency, including applicants for, or recipients of, a federal license or permit.

    Back to Top

  3. I am with a not-for-profit organization (or state/local government agency), and I do not believe we have an EIN. What should I use?

    4. It is unlikely that your organization or agency has no EIN. All employers, including state and local government agencies and non-profit organizations, have an EIN. If you do not know your EIN, you can usually obtain this information from your payroll or accounting department.

    Back to Top

  4. What if my entity does not have an EIN?

    5. In the unlikely event your entity does not have an EIN, you will be permitted to indicate the reason it does not. The options include: amateur clubs, foreign entities, petitioner entities, tribal governments or entities, entities that have applied but not yet received their EIN from the IRS, or one of the few entities exempted from having an EIN by the IRS.

    Back to Top

  5. Will anybody see my EIN?

    6. If you are a registering as a business, the Employer Identification Number for an FRN will not be displayed in the CORES public search.

    Back to Top

  6. I am registered and have my FRN. However, I subsequently realized that I provided the FCC with an incorrect EIN. What can I do?

    7. Once logged into the Commission Registration System, you can update your EIN and submit the change.

    Back to Top

Close Window
Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
Print Window

Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)

  1. What is a TIN?

    2. TIN stands for taxpayer identification number. A TIN is a nine-digit number that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires of all individuals, businesses, and other employers to identify their tax accounts with the IRS.

    For an individual, the TIN is the person’s Social Security Number (SSN).

    For employers, including state and local government agencies and non-profit organizations, the TIN is the IRS-issued Employer Identification Number (EIN).

    Back to Top

  2. Why is it necessary to supply a TIN?

    3. The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA) requires the FCC to collect this information. Congress enacted the DCIA to improve collection of delinquent government debts. As a result of the DCIA, the FCC and other executive agencies collect the TIN from each individual or organization doing business with a federal agency, including applicants for, or recipients of, a federal license or permit.

    Back to Top

  3. I am with a not-for-profit organization (or state/local government agency), and I do not believe we have a TIN. What should I use?

    4. It is unlikely that your organization or agency has no TIN. It probably has an Employer Identification Number (EIN). All employers, including state and local government agencies and non-profit organizations, have an EIN. If you do not know your EIN, you can usually obtain this information from your payroll or accounting department.

    Back to Top

  4. What if my entity does not have a TIN?

    5. In the unlikely event your entity does not have a TIN, you will be permitted to indicate the reason it does not. The options include: amateur clubs, foreign entities, petitioner entities, tribal governments or entities, entities that have applied but not yet received their EIN from the IRS, or one of the few entities exempted from having an EIN by the IRS.

    Back to Top

  5. Will anybody see my TIN?

    6. Neither an IRS-issued Employer Identification Number provided as your TIN or a Social Security Number provided as your TIN will be displayed in the CORES public search.

    Back to Top

  6. I am registered and have my FRN. However, I subsequently realized that I provided the FCC with an incorrect TIN. What can I do?

    7. Once logged into the Commission Registration System, you can update your TIN and submit the change.

    Back to Top

    Close Window