How to Apply for an Employer Identification Number

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine digit number that the Internal Revenue Service assigns to business entities. The EIN, also known as federal tax ID number, is used by sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, non-profit organizations, trusts, estates and other business entities. Applying for an employer identification number is very simple.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• SS-4 form
• Business information
• Computer and Internet service

1. Apply for an employer identification number online, by mail, by fax or by telephone. To apply, you need to get form SS-4 from the Internal Revenue Service.
2. Fill out the form. Be sure to fill out the form entirely, including the name, address and contact information for the business. Select your business entity type, and fill out the rest of the form completely, including the reason for applying, principal activity of the business and information on prior businesses.
3. Sign the form and double check to make sure everything is complete.
4. Apply online. To apply for an employment identification number online, fill out the form directly on the Internal Revenue Service website.
5. Apply by mail or fax. You can download the form from the Internal Revenue Service and mail or fax it to the appropriate location. Businesses located in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia or West Virginia can mail the form to: Internal Revenue Service Center, Attn: EIN Operation, Holtsville, NY 11742. Fax to [phone]. Business located in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin or Wyoming can mail the form to: Internal Revenue Service Center, Attn: EIN Operation, Philadelphia, PA 19255. Fax to [phone]. Businesses located in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky or Michigan can mail the form to: Internal Revenue Service Center, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Fax to [phone].
6. Apply by telephone. Call the IRS at [phone] between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. local time. Have the form and any information you need in front of you when calling.

Tips & Warnings

• Know the type of business structure for your business.
• Consult an accountant if you have any questions.
• Read the instructions provided by the IRS very carefully.