Form 8988, also known as the IRS Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Verification, is used by businesses and financial institutions to request a TIN from the IRS on behalf of a customer. The form must be completed accurately to avoid processing delays.
What Is Form 8988?
Form 8988 is an official Internal Revenue Service (IRS) document that authorizes the IRS to release a taxpayer’s identification number to a requesting party. It is commonly used for loan applications, account openings, and other financial transactions that require verification of a TIN.
Who Must File Form 8988?
Any entity that needs to obtain a taxpayer’s TIN directly from the IRS—such as banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, and government agencies—must file Form 8988. The requester must have a legitimate business need and obtain the taxpayer’s consent.
How to Complete Form 8988 Online
Instead of printing, printing, and scanning, you can fill out Form 8988 instantly with Formize’s free fillable PDF tool. Follow the simple steps below.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving the taxpayer’s signature blank or using an illegible signature.
- Entering an incorrect Social Security Number or EIN.
- Omitting the requester’s name, address, or EIN.
- Failing to include a clear statement of purpose for the TIN request.
Where to Submit the Completed Form
After filling out the form, mail or fax it to the IRS address listed in the instructions, or submit it through the authorized electronic channel if your organization participates in the IRS e‑file program.
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