How to File for an Employer ID

If you plan to pay wages to employees or open a corporate bank account, you will need an Employer ID Number (EIN) also known as a Taxpayer ID Number (TIN).

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Appropriate IRS Forms
• Legal Services
• Tax Services

1. Obtain a copy of the federal SS-4 Form Application of Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (access the IRS Web site or call them directly).
2. Complete the form and mail it back to the IRS.
3. Call the IRS Entity Control office with the SS-4 Form in front of you if you need the number right away. The IRS agent will ask you to fax in the form and will issue you an EIN over the phone. You will then need to mail in the completed form later.

Tips & Warnings

• The IRS will issue an EIN number over the phone only to an officer of your company.
• Banks often require an EIN number to open a corporate account.