IRS TIN Matching: Bulk File Builder and Result Codes

TIN Matching is a free IRS e-Services program that checks payee names and TINs before you file. Interactive matching takes 25 at a time. Bulk matching takes up to 100,000 in a text file, with results usually within 24 hours. These tools prepare that file and explain the answers.

1. Build the request file

One payee per line: name, TIN (and an optional account number)

Each line becomes TIN type;TIN;name;account, as Publication 2108A specifies. TIN type 1 is an EIN, 2 an SSN and 3 unknown. Names keep only letters, digits, spaces, hyphens and ampersands, up to 40 characters.

2. Read the results file

Paste the results, or open the file the IRS returned

Open the results file

Runs only in this browser tab. Nothing you type or open here is sent anywhere.

TIN Matching result codes

Code	Meaning	What to do
0	The name and TIN match IRS records	Nothing
1	TIN missing or not a 9-digit number	Get the TIN again from a signed W-9
2	TIN not currently issued	Ask the payee for a new W-9
3	The name and TIN do not match IRS records	Check the legal name against the W-9 and request a new one if needed
4	Invalid TIN Matching request	Fix the format and resubmit
5	Duplicate TIN Matching request	Nothing, it was already checked
6	Matched on SSN, when the TIN type was unknown	Use TIN type SSN
7	Matched on EIN, when the TIN type was unknown	Use TIN type EIN
8	Matched on both SSN and EIN, when the TIN type was unknown	Use the type shown on the W-9

How to get access

Who can use it: payers, and their authorized agents, who file information returns subject to backup withholding, such as Forms 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC.
Cost: free and voluntary.
Sign-up: register for IRS e-Services, then apply for TIN Matching in the e-Services application.
Bulk results: you get an email when the results are ready, and have 30 days to download them.

Why it matters

A name and TIN that do not match lead to business rules SHAREDIRFORM014 and 015 in IRIS, CP2100 backup withholding notices and possible penalties. A verified match before filing can help show reasonable cause if a penalty comes later. Before you build the file, run your list through the TIN format checker to catch impossible numbers, and see how the IRS reads names with the name control generator.

Frequently asked questions

Is IRS TIN Matching free?

Yes. The IRS charges no fee to register or to match names and TINs.

How many TINs can I check?

Up to 25 at a time interactively, or up to 100,000 in one bulk file.

What does TIN Matching code 3 mean?

The name and TIN combination does not match IRS records. The most common cause is a trade name used instead of the legal name.

Is my vendor list uploaded by this page?

No. The file is built in your browser. You upload it to IRS e-Services yourself.

Sources

Last reviewed November 1, 2026.

IRS TIN Matching: build the bulk file and read the results