How to Receive an Employer Identification Number

If you are a business owner or are a tax exempt organization such as 4-H, Lions Club or a scout group you will need to apply for an EIN - Employer Identification Number. Here are the steps for getting your EIN.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Phone
• Fax
• Mail

1. Apply Online. The fastest way to get your Employer Identification Number is to apply online. If you have a home computer this is the best way to apply and the information is confirmed during the online session and the EIN is issued as soon as it is validated. (I do not recommend doing this on a shared or public computer, unless you fully trust that your personal identification cannot be stolen.)
   
   In order to apply online you must have a valid Social Security Number, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number in order to apply online and you must live in the United States or U.S. Territories. (See link below.)

2. Apply by Phone. Taxpayers can get their EIN by calling the Business and Specialty Tax Line at [phone]. This can be done during the business week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
   
   An customer service person will take your information over the phone, assign you an employer ID number, and gives the number to an authorized individual over the phone.

3. Apply by Fax. Form SS-4 (PDF Application) can be faxed to the following phone number at [phone]. After confirming that all the information that is required is on the application an EIN number will be provided back via a return fax if you provided one within four business days.
   
   If your entity needs a new EIN, one will be assigned using the correct procedures for the type of business type.

4. Apply by Mail. It takes generally four weeks to get an EIN if you process your application by mail. Make sure the SS-4 (PDF Application) contains all the required information. Again, if the entity needs a new EIN, one will be assigned using the correct procedures here as well for the type of business.
   
   Mail the PDF form in a business envelope to the Internal Revenue Service, ATTN: EIN Operation, in your state. You can get this information from your phone book or call the local IRS for the address.

Tips & Warnings

• Click on the link in resources below and go to "Employer ID Numbers (EINs) then click on "Apply for an EIN online".
• Applying by mail will take at least a month.

Resources

• For EIN click on Employer ID Numbers (EINs)
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[goodselfme]

on 11/3/2009 TX for the information on how to receive an employer identification number. I Learned from you that a person must live in the United States to apply online.5*

[jenng]

on 10/31/2009 GREAT ARTICLE ON How to Receive an Employer Identification Number 5*