What is a Submission Identification Number and Why It Matters
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.
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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.
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
FAQs
The SID is used to uniquely identify and track tax return submissions made to the IRS.
Your SID can be found in the confirmation of your electronic tax filing or in IRS correspondence.
No, the SID is different from your SSN and is specific to tax submissions.
