Your SIN
Every Canadian has their own Social Insurance Number (SIN), and it is important to understand who should have access to this unique identifier. The nine-digit number is issued using a special formula that is tied to geography, status, and purpose. Attached to this number is your name, date of birth, place of birth, and your parents’ names.
The SIN has been used by the federal government since 1964 to streamline the administration and delivery of government services.
Your SIN is confidential and should only be shared in limited circumstances. It is critical that you store your SIN securely. Do not carry it in your wallet or purse, and do not use it as a form of identification. However, you will need to provide your SIN to your employer, your financial institution, and the Canada Revenue Agency when filing your taxes.
Do not use it as identification or provide it for things like job or rental applications. Do not provide your SIN to non-governmental companies, organizations, or when requesting a credit report. In the wrong hands, your SIN could lead to an invasion of privacy, identity theft, loss of government benefits, or tax issues.
If someone uses your SIN to commit fraud, it could ruin your credit rating. Someone could also use your SIN to work illegally. In this case, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may expect you to pay tax on income you did not receive.
If you feel someone is inappropriately requesting your SIN, do not provide it, and offer to provide another form of identification. If you are not happy with the response, you should file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. They can be reached at 1-800-282-1376 or by visiting www.priv.gc.ca.
MP – Calgary Confederation Len Webber proudly serves the following Communities: Balmoral, Banff Trail, Brentwood, Briar Hill, Bridgeland, Cambrian Heights, Capitol Hill, Charleswood, Collingwood, Crescent Heights, Dalhousie, Greenview, Greenview Industrial Park, Highland Park, Highwood, Hillhurst, Hounsfield Heights-Briar Hill, Montgomery, Mount Pleasant, Mountview, Parkdale, Point McKay, Queens Park Village, Renfrew, Riverside, Rosedale, Rosemont, St. Andrew Heights, Sunnyside, Tuxedo Park, University District, University Heights, Varsity Acres, West Hillhurst, Winston Heights-Mountview
