How to How Get a Federal Tax ID Number For Your Small Business - 3 Easy Ways

Obtaining a Federal Tax ID number, commonly known as an "EIN number", is a simple but important step when forming your home or online business. Thankfully, the IRS has provided 3 easy (and free) ways to get one:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get your EIN Number by calling the IRS Tax Office at 1-800-829-4933. If you've ever had to deal with a government employee over the phone, then you know that I suggest not doing it this way.

2. Slightly better than the first step, but still not as good as the third, is to download IRS Form SS-4. You can complete this form and mail or fax it. See Resources at the end of this article for the SS-4 form in PDF format.

3. The final, and best way to obtain your Federal Tax ID number is to complete the online application. When you're done, you can download and print your confirmation notice from the IRS. Just be aware that it will take a few weeks for your EIN number to become a part of the IRS' permanent record.

Tips & Warnings

• Any business offering products or services that are taxed in any way must get a federal tax ID number.
• If your business does not have employees, the IRS recommends you label the top of the form SS-4 "For Identification Purposes Only."
• Getting an EIN number allows you to open a business checking account, helping to keep your personal and professional finances separate.
• 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 record

Resources

• SS-4 Form
• Apply for EIN online

[mattjutras]

on 1/6/2009 If you're operating a business and earn income from it, you need an EIN. Unless you're doing it "under the table" of course.

[chava812]

on 1/6/2009 I think I need to do this - who can tell me for sure? (I'm guessing the tax accountant I don't yet have...)