Are Tax Identification Numbers Public Record?

To find the TIN of a public corporation, it is possible to search the Securities and Exchange Commission's database; certain forms listed on that database contain a corporation's TIN. It is also possible to make a request for a nonprofit's TIN for the purposes of donation receipts. Nonprofit corporations must maintain public records and must comply with requests for their TINs. If an individual needs to issue a 1099 tax form to a private corporation, he needs to ask that corporation to provide its TIN.