What is a GIIN

Definition of Global Intermediary Identification Number (GIIN)

A Global Intermediary Identification Number (GIIN) is a unique identification number assigned to foreign financial institutions (FFIs), direct reporting non-financial foreign entities (NFFEs), sponsoring entities, sponsored entities, and sponsored subsidiary branches that have registered with the IRS for FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act) purposes. The GIIN serves as a means for these entities to identify themselves to withholding agents and tax administrators for FATCA reporting.

Composition of GIIN

The GIIN is a 19-character identification number with the following structure:

1. FATCA ID (Positions 1-6):

  - Comprised of numbers and uppercase letters only.

  - Represents the FATCA ID of the Lead FI, single FI, sponsoring entity, member FI, FI branch, sponsored entity, or sponsored subsidiary branch.

2. Separator 1 (Position 7):

  - A period (.)

3. Type (Positions 8-12):

  - Comprised of numbers and uppercase letters only.

  - Indicates the type of entity, such as Lead FI, single FI, sponsoring entity, member FI, FI branch, sponsored entity, or sponsored subsidiary branch.

4. Separator 2 (Position 13):

  - A period (.)

5. Category Code (Positions 14-15):

  - Uppercase letters only.

  - Represents the abbreviation for an FI type, sponsored entity classification, or branch type (e.g., LE for a lead FI, SL for a single FI, ME for a member FI).

6. Separator 3 (Position 16):

  - A period (.)

7. Country/Jurisdiction Identifier (Positions 17-19):

  - Numbers only, following the ISO 3166-1 numeric standard country code.

  - For entities that do not fall under a specific country code, "999" is used to indicate "Other".

Usage of GIIN

Entities assigned a GIIN use it to identify themselves for FATCA reporting purposes. This includes reporting to withholding agents who are responsible for withholding tax on certain U.S.-source payments to foreign entities, as well as reporting to the IRS and other tax authorities as required under FATCA and intergovernmental agreements (IGAs).

Registration for GIIN

Entities can register for a GIIN through the FATCA registration system provided by the IRS. Upon approval, the GIIN is issued and can be used for the purposes outlined above. The registration system also allows financial institutions to manage their accounts and exchange FATCA data with the United States.

For more detailed information on the composition of GIINs, you can refer to the [FATCA registration and FFI list: GIIN composition information] provided by the IRS.

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Sources:

FATCA registration and FFI list: GIIN composition information 2024-08-02

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) - Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-03

Information for foreign financial institutions | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-03

FATCA governments | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-02

IRS FFI list FAQs | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-02

Part IV – Items of General Interest - Internal Revenue Service 2024-07-27

IRS: Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) 2024-07-30

Part 3. Submission Processing - Internal Revenue Service 2024-07-27

Part III Administrative, Procedural, and Miscellaneous 2024-08-02

Publication 515 (2024), Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities 2024-08-03