Employer Identification Number

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online, this service is free with www.irs.org.

You will need an EIN if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions. For your convenience, clicking on the "Yes" option will take you directly to How to apply for an EIN.

Do You Need an EIN?

Do you have employees?

Do you operate your business as a corporation or a partnership?

Do you file any of these tax returns: Employment, Excise, or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms?

Do you withhold taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien?

Do you have a Keogh plan?

Are you involved with any of the following types of organizations? Trusts, except certain grantor-owned revocable trusts, IRAs, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Returns, Estates, Real estate mortgage investment conduits, Non-profit organizations, Farmers' cooperatives, Plan administrators

Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) Online with the Internal Revenue Service - www.irs.org

No more need to file a Form SS-4! They ask you the questions and you give us the answers. After all validations are done you will get your EIN immediately upon completion. You can then download, save, and print your EIN confirmation notice.

This EIN is your permanent number and can be used immediately for most of your business needs, including: opening a bank account; applying for business licenses; and filing a tax return by mail. However, no matter how you apply (phone, fax, mail, or online), it will take up to two weeks before your EIN becomes part of the IRS' permanent records. You must wait until this occurs before you can: file an electronic return, make an electronic payment, or pass an IRS Taxpayer Identification Number matching program.

Important information for sole proprietors

A sole proprietor can have only one EIN, regardless of the number or types of businesses you operate. If you were previously assigned an EIN as a sole proprietor, you must continue to use that number. If you were previously assigned an EIN as a Household Employer, you should use that number for your sole proprietor needs as well. If you are unable to locate your sole proprietor EIN, follow the instructions for locating a misplaced EIN.

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