What is a TIN (Tax Identification Number)?
- May 6, 2021
- 1 min read
Updated: May 10, 2021
When you open a bank account in Hong Kong, the application will ask for a TIN. TIN stands for Tax Identification Number.

In Hong Kong, an individual's TIN is the HKID number
In Hong Kong, an individual's TIN is the HKID number. The first letter of the alphabet is included. The parentheses at the end of the number are excluded.
For example, if the HKID number is M012345(6), the TIN will be M0123456. The TIN of a Hong Kong corporation is the BR number (Commercial Registration Number). The first eight digits are the TIN.
If your BR number is 12345678-999-99-99-9, then 12345678 is your TIN.
What about Japan? The TIN for individuals in Japan is My Number. When a Japanese resident opens a bank account overseas, he or she enters his or her My Number in the TIN field of the account opening application.
The TIN of a Japanese corporation is its corporate number. The number can be checked by anyone at the National Tax Agency's Corporate Number Publication Site.
Below is a link to the OECD. You can see which number to look at for each country's TIN.
OECD web site



Understanding a TIN (Tax Identification Number) is important for anyone dealing with tax compliance, business registration, or financial documentation. It helps authorities track tax obligations and ensures transparency in financial activities. For business owners, staying compliant with tax requirements also makes it easier to access funding when needed. If you are exploring financing options, resources like business loans ireland can be helpful in understanding different types of business funding available to support growth and operations.
This is a really clear explanation of TINs for different countries! Understanding what counts as a TIN is so important, especially for international banking and tax compliance. For anyone looking for professional guidance, a tax accountant service in New York can help ensure all your TINs and related filings are correct, saving you from potential mistakes and penalties.
Really helpful post for businesses navigating corporate tax filing Toronto. Appreciate the tips on staying compliant.