How to Get a Tax Identification Number

Internal Revenue Service

To ease tax filing, your business should have a Tax ID Number.

Learn more about the Tax ID Number and request yours today!

A federal tax identification number, or an employer identification number (EIN), is a number issued by the IRS that is used to identify your business for tax purposes. In general, if your business has employees, files taxes on any of its products, or is a corporation or partnership, it will need an EIN. Even if you’re a sole proprietor and you may not need an EIN, it is easy to apply for one and you may use it the same way as any other type of business. One EIN is given per responsible party. If there are multiple partners or owners, you may choose whose name it is filed under.

How to get an EIN

First and foremost the person applying for the EIN must have a valid taxpayer identification number. In most cases a social security number will be sufficient.

Apply Online – If your online application is approved, you will instantly receive your employer identification number. The online application is available if your business resides within the U.S. or within U.S. Territories from Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. It should be noted that the application must be filled out in one sitting, your work will not be saved, and the application times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, so be sure to have your information ready. Visit the IRS Website to apply for EIN now.

Apply by Fax – If you wish to apply by fax, you should completely fill out Form SS-4 and send it to the appropriate fax number. If your application is approved you should receive a fax within 4 business days.

Apply by Mail – If you wish to apply by mail, you should completely fill out Form SS-4 and send it to the appropriate address. If your application is approved, you should receive a letter within 4 weeks.

Apply by Telephone – To apply by telephone call your local IRS office between the hours of 6:00 AM -11:00 PM Monday through Friday. International applicants must call (267) 941-1099 (Not a toll-free number). You should be prepared with your information to answer the questions on Form SS-4. You must complete the signature portion for your EIN application to be valid.

Applying for an EIN is important, and relatively easy. It will help the IRS identify your business. Be sure to file your taxes appropriately.

Take Note. If applying online, the IRS will send you a page with your EIN. Be sure to save this page. If you lose your EIN, do not apply for a new one. Contact the IRS office. Be prepared to answer some identification questions, and they will help you with your old EIN. If you are no longer in business, the IRS will cancel your business, but will keep your EIN for future use so you do not need to apply for a new one.

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