Mexico Tax ID Number (TIN) Guide

In Mexico, a Tax Identification Number (TIN) is a crucial component for complying with tax laws. The TIN, also known as RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes), is required for individuals and businesses to fulfill their tax obligations, including filing tax returns, paying taxes, and conducting legal transactions. Ensuring that the TIN is correctly registered and verified is essential to avoid penalties and ensure smooth business operations.

All the data in this guide is 100% verified from official tax authority sources, ensuring its accuracy and compliance with Mexico’s legal tax frameworks.

1. Tax Identification Number Types

Mexico uses several types of TINs to categorize different types of taxpayers. Below are the primary TINs used in the country:

Types of TIN in Mexico:

RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes): The primary and most common TIN in Mexico, used for both individuals and legal entities (businesses, corporations, etc.).

Applicability:

Individuals: All Mexican citizens and residents, including foreigners with taxable income in Mexico, must obtain an RFC.

Businesses: All businesses, from sole proprietorships to large corporations, must also obtain an RFC for tax purposes.

Legal Entities: All legal entities and non-profit organizations conducting business or requiring tax registration must have an RFC.

2. TIN Format and Structure

The RFC in Mexico follows a specific format for both individuals and businesses. The structure and format ensure that each taxpayer can be uniquely identified, and the number can be easily verified.

Format of RFC:

For Individuals: The RFC for individuals consists of 13 characters. The structure is as follows:

First Part (4 characters): The first two letters represent the first two letters of the surname. The next letter is the first letter of the first name. The fourth character is the first letter of the second surname.

Second Part (6 characters): The date of birth in the format YYMMDD (last two digits of the year, month, and day).

Third Part (3 characters): A unique alphanumeric key assigned to the individual, which serves as a verification code.

Example: GARC920518HNGRSS05

GARC: First four letters derived from the person’s name.

920518: Date of birth (18th May 1992).

HNGRSS: A verification code unique to the individual.

05: A validation key.

For Legal Entities: The RFC for legal entities consists of 12 characters.

First Part (3 characters): The first three letters of the legal entity’s name or business name.

Second Part (6 characters): The date of registration or incorporation in YYMMDD format.

Third Part (3 characters): A unique alphanumeric key assigned to the business or entity.

Example: ABC920518Q32

ABC: The name abbreviation of the legal entity.

920518: Date of registration or incorporation.

Q32: Unique verification key for the legal entity.

Note: The RFC for both individuals and businesses is unique to each taxpayer, and it must be kept confidential for security reasons.

3. Issuing Authority and Registration Process

The official tax authority responsible for issuing the RFC in Mexico is the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT).

Issuing Body:

Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT)

Official Website: SAT Mexico

3.1 Registration Process for Individuals:

Eligibility: All Mexican citizens, residents, and foreigners with taxable income in Mexico must obtain an RFC.

Required Documents:

For Mexican Citizens: A valid identification (e.g., voter ID or passport) and proof of address (e.g., utility bill).

For Foreigners: A passport, visa, and proof of address in Mexico.

Application Process:

Individuals can apply online through the SAT’s official portal, or in person at SAT offices.

For online registration, individuals must provide their details and upload the necessary identification documents.

Once processed, the RFC is issued immediately in digital format, though a physical copy may also be requested.

Fees: There are no fees for obtaining an RFC.

3.2 Registration Process for Businesses:

Eligibility: All businesses operating in Mexico must obtain an RFC for tax compliance.

Required Documents:

For Mexican Businesses: The business’s registration documents (e.g., Articles of Incorporation), proof of business address, and identification of the business owner(s).

For Foreign Businesses: Similar documentation as for Mexican businesses, plus proof of the business’s tax status in its home country.

Application Process:

Businesses can register online through the SAT portal or in person at SAT offices.

A digital certificate is often required for businesses operating online.

After registration, businesses will receive their RFC number, which is needed for tax filings and other official documentation.

Fees: The process is free for businesses, but there may be fees for additional services (e.g., digital certificates).

4. TIN Verification and Lookup

Individuals and businesses can verify the validity of their RFC through the official SAT verification tool. This tool helps ensure that the RFC is registered and correctly issued.

Official TIN Verification Tool:

SAT’s Verification Portal: SAT RFC Verification

The tool allows users to enter their RFC number to confirm its validity and obtain other relevant details. Or Instantly Verify Tax IDs in Mexico with TaxDo Real-Time TIN Validation Platform

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5. TIN and VAT Number Connection

In Mexico, the RFC serves as the VAT number for businesses registered for VAT (Value Added Tax). This means that businesses must use their RFC number for all VAT-related filings, including the collection and payment of VAT.

VAT Number Format: The RFC for VAT purposes follows the same format as the general RFC and is used to track VAT transactions for registered businesses.

6. Why Accurate TIN Validation Matters

Ensuring the accuracy of your TIN is critical for both businesses and individuals in Mexico. 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 Mexico SAT’s Verification Portal or TaxDo real-time global tax ID verification platform ensures accurate Tax ID validation, error reduction, and full compliance with Mexico tax laws.

7.Stay Compliant with TaxDo

While the SAT’s Verification Portal offers a basic PIN checker, TaxDo takes Mexico 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 Mexico and beyond.