Definition ∞ Taxpayer identification refers to the unique identifier assigned to individuals or entities by tax authorities for tax administration purposes. In the United States, this is typically a Social Security Number (SSN) for individuals or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for businesses. This identification is essential for linking financial transactions to specific taxpayers and ensuring accurate tax reporting. It forms a fundamental component of tax compliance.
Context ∞ The collection of taxpayer identification by digital asset exchanges and platforms is a key aspect of global regulatory efforts to enhance tax transparency. This requirement aims to reduce anonymity in cryptocurrency transactions and facilitate accurate reporting of gains and income. The implementation of these identification standards is a significant point of discussion within the digital assets industry.