Easily search and verify Global Intermediary Identification Numbers (GIINs) for financial institutions, sponsoring entities, and other registered entities. Our FATCA IRS GIIN lookup tool allows you to quickly search by GIIN or by institution name. Whether you’re verifying your own institution’s or looking up a partner’s, our tool makes it simple to access the information you need in just a few clicks.
Last database update : February 2025
While Fund XP strives to ensure the tool’s information is accurate, it is important to note that the tool is not affiliated with the IRS or any official regulatory body. Users should independently verify details and seek advice from relevant authorities or a tax advisor for compliance-related matters. Fund XP is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the tool’s data.
What is a GIIN?
The GIIN, or Global Intermediary Identification Number, is a unique 19-character identifier assigned to foreign financial institutions (FFIs), branches of financial institutions (FIs), direct reporting non-financial foreign entities (NFFEs), sponsoring entities, sponsored entities, and sponsored subsidiary branches through the FATCA Registration System. This number allows these institutions and entities to identify themselves to withholding agents and tax administrators for FATCA reporting.
The GIIN follows the format: XXXXXX.XXXXX.XX.XXX and consists of multiple identifiers. Importantly, it will never include the letter “O.”
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How do I apply for a GIIN for my financial institution?
To apply for a GIIN (Global Intermediary Identification Number) for your financial institution, follow these steps:
- Register with the IRS Registration System:
- Go to the IRS FATCA Registration System website : https://www.irs.gov/businesses/corporations/fatca-foreign-financial-institution-registration
- You will need to create an account if you don’t already have one. This involves submitting information about your institution, including its legal name, tax identification number, and relevant contact details.
- Complete the Registration:
- Once logged in, complete the FATCA registration form for your financial institution. This will include details such as the type of institution (e.g., lead FI, member FI, branch), the country code, and the entity’s FATCA classification (such as participating FFI, registered deemed-compliant FFI, etc.).
- Ensure that you include all necessary information and documentation to avoid delays.
- Submit the Application:
- After filling out the required forms, submit your application. The IRS will process it and assign a GIIN to your financial institution if the application is approved.
- Receive Your GIIN:
- Once your registration is processed, you will receive a unique 19-character GIIN. This number can then be used for FATCA reporting purposes and to identify your institution to withholding agents and tax administrators.
- Maintain Your Registration:
- You will need to keep your registration updated by submitting periodic certifications or re-registrations. The GIIN may be deactivated if the information is not kept current.
If you’re unsure about the process or need assistance, it’s recommended to consult with a tax advisor or legal expert who specializes in FATCA compliance.
How do I deregister my GIIN under FATCA?
- Access the IRS FATCA Registration Portal:
- Go to the IRS FATCA Registration Portal (or the relevant jurisdiction’s portal if you are operating outside the U.S.).
- Log in with your account credentials.
- https://www.irs.gov/businesses/corporations/fatca-foreign-financial-institution-registration
- Once logged in, navigate to the available account option section.
- In this section, there should be an option “Agreement – Cancel”.
- Follow the instructions provided to confirm that you want to deregister the GIIN. This may involve filling out a form or providing a reason for deregistration.
- Submit the Request:
- Once you complete all required steps, submit your deregistration request.
- After submission, you should receive confirmation of the deregistration, and your GIIN will no longer be active.
- Notify Relevant Parties:
- If your GIIN was used for compliance purposes, notify any relevant parties (e.g., financial institutions or other regulatory authorities) that the GIIN has been deregistered.
What is the composition of a GIIN?
Position | Character representation | Length | Description |
---|---|---|---|
1-6 | XXXXXX FATCA ID | 6 | Numbers and uppercase letters only. For all Financial Institutions, this is the same as the first 6 characters of the FATCA ID. For leads and singles, this is your FATCA ID. For members; this is just the first six characters. For FI branch, first 6 characters of the branch’s associated FI’s FATCA ID. For sponsored entity or sponsored subsidiary branch, the sponsoring entity’s FATCA ID.First 6 characters of any Financial Institution’s FATCA ID are randomly generated and will never use the letter “O” |
7 | Separator | 1 | – |
8-12 | XXXXX Type |
5 | Numbers and uppercase letters only.
|
13 | Separator | 1 | – |
14-15 | XX Category Code |
2 | Uppercase letters for abbreviations indicating the type:
|
16 | Separator | 1 | – |
17-19 | XXX Country/Jurisdiction |
3 | Numeric, ISO 3166-1 numeric standard country code of the Financial Institution or branch. Use 999 for country code “Other”. |
External links
Registration : https://www.irs.gov/businesses/corporations/fatca-foreign-financial-institution-registration
XML user guide : https://www.irs.gov/pub/fatca/pub5124userguidev20draft.pdf
FAQs: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/corporations/fatca-faqs