An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s tax ID number, similar to a Social Security number for individuals. Most businesses need an EIN to open bank accounts, file taxes, and hire employees. Getting one is free and straightforward when you know the process.
What Is an EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. It’s also called a Federal Tax Identification Number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
Format: XX-XXXXXXX (example: 12-3456789)
The IRS uses EINs to track business tax obligations, including:
- Income tax returns
- Employment taxes
- Excise taxes
- Other federal tax filings
Who Needs an EIN?
Required to Have an EIN
You must get an EIN if your business:
- Has employees
- Operates as a corporation or partnership
- Files employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms tax returns
- Withholds taxes on income paid to non-resident aliens
- Has a Keogh plan
- Is involved with certain trusts, estates, or nonprofits
Should Get an EIN (Even If Not Required)
Even if not technically required, you should get an EIN if you:
- Want to open a business bank account
- Want to separate business and personal finances
- Apply for business credit cards or loans
- Work with vendors who require a tax ID
- Want to protect your Social Security number
Single-Member LLCs
Single-member LLCs without employees aren’t required to have an EIN—they can use the owner’s SSN. However, most banks require an EIN to open a business account, making it practically necessary.
How to Apply for an EIN
Method 1: Online Application (Recommended)
The IRS online application is the fastest and easiest method.
Website: irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
Availability: Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 10 PM Eastern Time
Requirements:
- Responsible party must have a valid SSN or ITIN
- Business must be located in the U.S. or U.S. territories
Process time: Immediate—you receive your EIN at the end of the session.
Step-by-step:
- Go to the IRS EIN Assistant
- Navigate to the IRS website’s EIN application page
- Select “Apply Online Now”
- Select your entity type
- Sole proprietor
- Partnership
- Corporation
- LLC
- Other options
- Answer questions about your business
- Why you need an EIN
- Number of employees expected
- Business start date
- Enter responsible party information
- Name
- SSN or ITIN
- Address
- Enter business information
- Legal name
- Trade name/DBA (if any)
- Business address
- County and state
- Review and submit
- Verify all information
- Submit application
- Receive your EIN
- EIN displays immediately upon approval
- Print or save the confirmation notice
Method 2: Fax Application (Form SS-4)
If you can’t apply online, fax Form SS-4 to the IRS.
Form: IRS Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number
Fax numbers:
- All states except listed below: 855-641-6935
- States with area codes 586, 616, 906 (Michigan): 855-641-6935
Process time: 4 business days (fax response sent to you)
Steps:
- Download Form SS-4 from irs.gov
- Complete all applicable fields
- Include fax number for response
- Fax to appropriate IRS number
Method 3: Mail Application (Form SS-4)
The slowest method, but an option if online and fax aren’t possible.
Mail to: Internal Revenue Service Attn: EIN Operation Cincinnati, OH 45999
Process time: 4-5 weeks
Steps:
- Download and complete Form SS-4
- Mail to IRS address
- Wait for EIN assignment letter
Method 4: Phone Application (International Applicants)
International applicants without a U.S. address can apply by phone.
Phone: 267-941-1099 (not toll-free)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 6 AM – 11 PM Eastern Time
Process time: Immediate (EIN given over phone)
Understanding Form SS-4
Whether applying by fax or mail, you’ll need to complete Form SS-4.
Key Fields
| Line | Information Required |
|---|---|
| 1 | Legal name of entity |
| 2 | Trade name/DBA if different |
| 3 | Executor/administrator name (estates only) |
| 4a-b | Mailing address |
| 5a-b | Street address if different |
| 6 | County and state |
| 7a-b | Responsible party name and SSN/ITIN |
| 8a-c | LLC information (if applicable) |
| 9a-b | Type of entity |
| 10 | Reason for applying |
| 11 | Business start date |
| 12 | Closing month of accounting year |
| 13 | Highest number of employees expected |
| 14 | Employment tax liability |
| 15 | First date wages paid |
| 16 | Principal business activity |
| 17 | Business description |
| 18 | Previous EINs |
Common Mistakes on SS-4
- Wrong entity type: Select the correct business structure
- Missing responsible party SSN: Required for most applications
- Incorrect business name: Must match formation documents exactly
- Wrong reason for applying: Choose the most accurate option
Who Is the Responsible Party?
Every EIN application requires a “responsible party”—an individual who controls or manages the entity.
Responsible Party Requirements
- Must be an individual (not another business)
- Must have a valid SSN or ITIN
- Must have true control over the entity
Who Qualifies?
| Entity Type | Responsible Party |
|---|---|
| Single-member LLC | The sole member |
| Multi-member LLC | A managing member |
| Corporation | A principal officer (President, CEO) |
| Partnership | A general partner |
| Trust | The grantor or trustee |
After You Receive Your EIN
Save Your Confirmation
The IRS sends a confirmation notice (CP 575) after issuing your EIN. Keep this document permanently—it’s your official record of the EIN assignment.
For online applications: Print or save the confirmation page immediately.
Update Your Records
Add your EIN to:
- Business formation documents
- Bank account applications
- Tax records
- Vendor forms (W-9s)
EIN Verification Letter
If you need official verification of your EIN, you can request an EIN Verification Letter (147C letter) from the IRS by calling 800-829-4933.
Common EIN Questions
Can I Apply for Multiple EINs?
Each separate legal entity needs its own EIN. You can apply for multiple EINs if you have multiple businesses.
One EIN per entity: An LLC cannot share an EIN with a separate corporation, even if owned by the same person.
What If My Business Changes?
Different changes have different requirements:
| Change | New EIN Needed? |
|---|---|
| Name change only | No |
| Address change | No |
| Added partners | Depends on structure |
| LLC to corporation | Yes |
| Sole prop to LLC | Yes |
| New owner (same structure) | Usually no |
Can I Use My EIN Immediately?
Generally yes, but there’s a brief delay in IRS systems. If a bank or other institution can’t verify your new EIN, wait 24-48 hours and try again.
EIN vs. State Tax ID
An EIN is a federal tax ID. Many states also require separate state tax identification numbers for:
- State income tax
- Sales tax
- Unemployment tax
Florida: Doesn’t have state income tax, but businesses may need:
- Florida Sales Tax Number (Department of Revenue)
- Reemployment Tax Number (for employers)
Cost of Getting an EIN
IRS EIN application: FREE
The IRS does not charge for EIN applications. Be wary of third-party websites that charge fees—you can apply directly with the IRS at no cost.
Third-party services: Some formation services include EIN application as part of their packages, typically charging $50-$150 for this service.
Get Your EIN Today
An EIN is fundamental to operating your business properly. While you can apply yourself for free, Critical Compliance Services includes EIN application as part of our business formation packages.
Our services include:
- EIN application filing
- Confirmation document delivery
- Florida business registration assistance
- Ongoing compliance support
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Online applications receive an EIN immediately. Fax applications take about 4 business days. Mail applications take 4-5 weeks.
Is an EIN the same as a tax ID number?
Yes. EIN, Federal Tax ID Number, and Federal Employer Identification Number all refer to the same thing.
Do I need an EIN if I have no employees?
You might. LLCs and corporations typically need EINs regardless of employees. Sole proprietors without employees can often use their SSN.
Can I get an EIN without an SSN?
The responsible party generally needs an SSN or ITIN. Some exceptions exist for foreign-owned entities.
Is my EIN public information?
EINs are not published publicly by the IRS, but they may appear on public documents like corporate filings or tax-exempt organization records.