An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN), is like a Social Security number (SSN) for your business. The unique nine-digit EIN number allows the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses for tax reporting. Show Keep reading our What is an EIN guide to find out if your business needs an EIN and learn how to apply online, by telephone, fax, or mail to get one for free from the IRS website.
Last Updated: October 8, 2022 by the TRUiC Team Does My Business Need an EIN?When does the IRS require an EIN number?The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has specific, established rules that determine when you need to apply for an EIN for your business. If any of the following statements are true, you'll need to get an EIN:
All businesses can benefit from having an EIN. Visit our EIN Benefits guide to learn more.
Sole ProprietorshipIf your business structure is a sole proprietorship without employees (and doesn’t file any excise or pension plan tax returns), then you are not required to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Sole proprietors with employees are required to have an EIN.
It's recommended that taxpayers get an EIN number in order to open a business bank account, build business credit, and lower the risk of identity theft.
Single-Member LLCIf your business entity is a single-member LLC without employees (or excise tax liability), then you are not required to get an Employer ID Number. Single-member LLCs are required to have an EIN if they have employees. It’s still recommended (and sometimes required) to open a bank account, to hire employees later, and in order to maintain your corporate veil. Learn more about EINs for Single-Member LLCs. Multi-Member LLC or PartnershipsIf your business structure is a partnership or multi-member LLC, you are required to get an EIN number because the LLC must file a partnership return and provide K-1s to members of the LLC.
CorporationsIf you have an S corporation tax structure, you are required to have an EIN for tax reporting purposes. If you have a C corporation, your business is viewed as a separate entity and you are required to get an EIN for tax reporting purposes. Nonprofit OrganizationsIf your business structure is a nonprofit, you are required to have an Employer ID Number for tax reporting purposes. Trusts and EstatesEINs are used for specific types of trusts and estates under varying circumstances. When Should A Business Get an EIN?No matter what kind of business you have, it is usually a good idea to get an EIN number. An EIN is required when applying for a business bank account or business credit card. Most banks require an EIN in order to open a business banking account.
Learn more about why you need a business bank account and visit our best banks for small business review. You need an EIN to get a business credit card.
Recommended: Visit Divvy to apply for their business credit card, earn points, and build your business credit quickly. Apply With Divvy You will need an EIN before you can hire employees.
If you’re an LLC, an EIN helps you maintain your corporate veil.
An EIN will help to prevent identity theft.
Read more about the benefits of getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN). How To Get a Free EINThe quickest and simplest way for taxpayers to get a free EIN is to apply online on the IRS website using the EIN Assistant. You must form your business before getting an EIN. The IRS will ask for your business formation date and legal business name. You will need to register your business and get approval for the business's name from your state before getting an EIN. Visit our LLC before EIN guide to learn more.
If you are undecided on what business structure to choose, visit our How To Choose a Business Structure guide or our LLC vs Sole Proprietor guide. Here is some helpful information to guide you in requesting your EIN number from the IRS EIN Assistant:
You can apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) by fax or mail by completing Form SS-4. If you are submitting by fax, send your EIN application to fax number (855) 641-6935. If applying by mail, submit to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Option 1: Request an EIN from the IRS Apply Online - OR - Option 2: Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax Download Form Mail
to: Fax: (855) 641-6935 Fee: Free Online EIN Application Process:
In addition, you will need to fill out the name, SSN or TIN, and contact information of your business’s responsible party. If you have any further questions, you can also call the IRS customer service line by dialing (800) 829-1040. International EIN ApplicantsIf you don’t have an SSN and you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get an EIN number. Simply download and fill out IRS Form SS-4. You can leave section 7b blank. To submit your application, call the IRS at 267-941-1099 (NOT a toll-free number) Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. You may also apply for an EIN by fax at 304-707-9471.
Learn more about getting an EIN as a foreign person. Frequently Asked QuestionsDo I need an EIN if I’m self-employed?You don’t need an EIN if you’re self-employed; you can simply use your Social Security number. However, some people who are self-employed choose to apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) instead of using their Social Security number to reduce the risk of identity theft; it’s less likely for someone to break into your accounts when you keep business finances and personal finances separate. Is there a difference between an EIN and a TIN?No, there is not a difference between an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Both refer to the nine-digit number issued by the IRS for your business. Is there a difference between an EIN and a FEIN?No, there is not a difference between an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). A FEIN can also be referred to as a Federal Tax Identification Number. How do I look up my EIN number?It is very easy to look up your EIN number, and there are several ways you can do so. First, the IRS will typically email or send a physical letter confirming your EIN application. You can also check business documents such as tax returns to find your EIN printed there. If you are looking for an existing EIN number, use the instructions on our page: How to Look Up an EIN Number. How do I look up another business’s EIN?You can look up another business’s EIN by searching for the company on the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) EDGAR online Forms and Filings database. How do I recover my EIN if I forget or lose it?If you still aren’t able to find your EIN by checking for a confirmation email or letter, or by identifying it on your business documents, you can simply call the IRS EIN Department at 1-800-829-4933 to speak with one of their representatives. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. What is the difference between an EIN and a DUNS number?An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to keep track of a business’s tax reporting. The Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) a nine-digit number issued by Dun & Bradstreet, a business analytics company; a DUNS number helps businesses create and identify their credit reports. Does a DBA need an EIN?A DBA doesn't need an EIN because a DBA is only a name for a business. Do I need an EIN for my LLC?LLCs need an EIN number when they hire employees. Do I need an EIN before or after I form my LLC?In most states, you will need to form your LLC before getting an EIN. This is because the IRS will request your approved business name and business formation date on the EIN application. You can learn more in our LLC before EIN guide. RELATED ARTICLES
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