What is a Submission Identification Number and Why It Matters

Q: Where can I find my Submission Identification Number?

Your SID can be found in the confirmation of your electronic tax filing or in IRS correspondence.

Q: Is the SID the same as my Social Security Number?

No, the SID is different from your SSN and is specific to tax submissions.

Definition & Meaning

A Submission Identification Number (SID) is a unique identifier assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to track submissions of tax returns. This number is included in all attachment files and many request and response messages related to tax filings. The SID is structured as follows:

The first six digits represent the Electronic Filer Identification Number (EFIN).
The next four digits indicate the year of submission.
The following three digits correspond to the Julian date, which is a continuous count of days in the year.
The last seven digits are a sequence number that helps differentiate multiple submissions made on the same day.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

The Submission Identification Number is primarily used in the context of tax law and compliance. It plays a crucial role in the electronic filing process, ensuring that tax submissions are accurately recorded and tracked by the IRS. Users, including individuals and businesses, may encounter SIDs when filing tax returns or responding to IRS inquiries. Understanding how to locate and use the SID can help users manage their tax obligations effectively.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Here are two examples illustrating the use of a Submission Identification Number:

Example 1: A taxpayer files their annual tax return electronically. The IRS assigns an SID of 1234562023012345678, where "123456" is the EFIN, "2023" is the year, "001" is the Julian date for January 1, and "2345678" is the unique sequence number.
Example 2: A tax professional submits multiple returns on April 15. Each return receives a different SID, allowing the IRS to track each submission separately. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Key Differences
Electronic Filer Identification Number (EFIN)	A unique number assigned to tax preparers for electronic filing.	EFIN is part of the SID and identifies the filer, while SID tracks individual submissions.
Submission Tracking Number	A number used to track the status of a submission.	SID is specific to tax submissions, while a tracking number may apply to various types of submissions.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you need to use a Submission Identification Number, ensure you locate it in your tax filing documents or communications with the IRS. If you are filing electronically, the SID will be generated automatically. For assistance, consider using US Legal Forms' templates to help you prepare your tax filings correctly. If you encounter issues or have questions about your submission, consulting a tax professional may be beneficial.

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Quick facts

Attribute	Details
Purpose	To identify and track tax return submissions.
Components	EFIN, year, Julian date, sequence number.
Usage	Mandatory for electronic tax filings.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of a Submission Identification Number?

The SID is used to uniquely identify and track tax return submissions made to the IRS.

Where can I find my Submission Identification Number?

Is the SID the same as my Social Security Number?

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