Ecuador Tax ID Number (TIN) Guide 

In Ecuador, a Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a unique identifier used by individuals, businesses, and entities for all tax-related purposes. This number is crucial for ensuring compliance with Ecuador’s tax regulations, including the payment of taxes, filing of returns, and conducting business transactions. Having the correct TIN is essential for smooth interactions with the tax authorities and to avoid any legal or financial issues. 

The information provided in this guide has been 100% verified from official sources such as the Ecuadorian tax authority (SRI – Servicio de Rentas Internas), ensuring complete accuracy. 

1. Tax Identification Number Types 

In Ecuador, there are two primary TIN types: 

1.1 RUC (Registro Único de Contribuyentes) – For Businesses and Legal Entities 

• RUC is the TIN used for businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, and other legal entities in Ecuador. 

• This number is mandatory for any entity or business that conducts taxable activities, whether domestic or foreign. 

1.2 Cédula de Ciudadanía (National ID) – For Individuals 

• Cédula de Ciudadanía is the TIN used by Ecuadorian citizens and resident foreigners for personal tax identification. 

• It is a unique number assigned to every Ecuadorian citizen or resident to fulfill tax obligations. 

Each type of TIN serves a different purpose: the RUC is used for businesses and legal entities, while the Cédula is used for individual taxpayers. 

2. TIN Format and Structure 

2.1 RUC Format (For Businesses and Legal Entities) 

• Format: The RUC number consists of 13 digits (e.g., 0999999999001). 

• First 10 digits: These represent the unique identifier assigned to the entity, typically related to the company’s registration with Ecuador’s tax authority. 

• Last 3 digits: The last three digits are used for the type of business (e.g., service, industrial) and a checksum or validation number. 

2.2 Cédula de Ciudadanía Format (For Individuals) 

• Format: The Cédula de Ciudadanía is made up of 13 digits (e.g., 1701234567). 

• First 12 digits: These represent the unique identification number assigned to the individual. 

• Last digit: The final digit is a checksum used to validate the identity and prevent fraud. 

Both the RUC and Cédula de Ciudadanía follow distinct formats designed for their respective categories: one for businesses and legal entities, the other for individual taxpayers. 

3. Issuing Authority and Registration Process 

The Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) is the official tax authority in Ecuador responsible for issuing TINs, including both the RUC for businesses and the Cédula de Ciudadanía for individuals. 

Official Website: Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) 

3.1 Registration Process for Individuals (Cédula de Ciudadanía) 

1. Eligibility: All Ecuadorian citizens and resident foreigners who are legally registered in Ecuador. 

2. Required Documents: 

• For Ecuadorian citizens: A valid Ecuadorian Cédula de Ciudadanía. 

• For foreign residents: A Cédula de Extranjería or a valid passport. 

3. Application Process: 

• Online: Individuals can apply or verify their Cédula registration through the SRI website. 

• In-person: Applicants can visit the nearest SRI office to register. 

4. Fees: There are no fees for registering a Cédula de Ciudadanía for tax purposes. 

3.2 Registration Process for Businesses (RUC) 

1. Eligibility: Any legal entity, business, or organization engaging in taxable activities in Ecuador. 

2. Required Documents: 

• For Ecuadorian businesses: Proof of business registration (e.g., corporate papers), address verification, and legal representative’s Cédula. 

• For foreign businesses: Registration documents, business address, legal representative’s identification, and proof of tax obligations in Ecuador. 

3. Application Process: 

• Online: Businesses can apply for the RUC registration on the official SRI website by completing the online application and submitting the required documents. 

• In-person: Businesses can visit the nearest SRI office for registration. 

4. Fees: Registration for the RUC is free, though certain services may incur additional charges. 

4. TIN Verification and Lookup 

Individuals and businesses can verify their TINs using the official SRI TIN verification tool. Or Instantly Verify Tax IDs in Ecuador with TaxDo Real-Time TIN Validation Platform 

TaxDo offers a compliant, automated, and globally trusted solution for TIN verification—not just in Ecuador, but across 135+ jurisdictions. Unlike other solutions, TaxDo validates tax IDs instantly and securely using only official government sources. 

What Makes TaxDo Different? 

• Real-time TIN verification for Ecuador and 135+ countries  

• Seamless API integration into your ERP, CRM, or onboarding system 

• Powerful dashboard to manage and track tax ID validations globally 

• Fully compliant and official-source-based results ONLY 

Whether you’re conducting due diligence, onboarding clients, granting tax exemption, or managing vendor compliance in Ecuador, TaxDo helps you avoid risks, delays, and penalties with effortless global Tax ID validation. 

📩 Get started today or schedule a free demo to see how TaxDo simplifies tax compliance. 

5. TIN and VAT Number Connection 

In Ecuador, the RUC serves as both the TIN and the VAT number for businesses. When registering for VAT, businesses use their RUC as their VAT number for all tax-related activities, including invoicing and paying VAT. There is no separate VAT number; the RUC functions as the business identifier for all taxes, including VAT. 

6. Why Accurate TIN Validation Matters 

Ensuring the accuracy of your TIN is critical for both businesses and individuals in Ecuador. An incorrect or unverified TIN can lead to serious complications such as: 

• Delays in tax processing 

• Rejection of tax exemption claims 

• Fines and penalties for non-compliance 

• Rejection of e-invoicing submissions 

• Onboarding unqualified suppliers or customers 

• Data quality issues across finance and compliance systems 

Using the Ecuador Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) or TaxDo real-time global tax ID verification platform ensures accurate Tax ID validation, error reduction, and full compliance with Ecuador tax laws. 

7. Stay Compliant with TaxDo 

While the Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) offers a basic PIN checker, TaxDo takes Ecuador TIN validation to the next level with real-time results, periodic revalidation for ongoing compliance, and seamless integration into your systems. 

With TaxDo, you can automate Tax ID validation, monitor changes, and ensure continuous compliance, all from a single, user-friendly dashboard or through API connectivity. 

TaxDo is trusted by leading enterprises, platforms, and compliance teams worldwide. Try it now and eliminate the risks of Tax ID errors in Ecuador and beyond.