How to Get an EIN Number

An Employer Identification Number, often shortened to EIN (and erroneously referred to as an EIN number on a regular basis) is a type of tax ID number predominantly used by corporate entities. Individual taxpayers, non-profits, small and/or home businesses and government agencies who pay withholding taxes on employees can also get an EIN number, though most individuals already have a Social Security number, which is a type of tax ID number in and of itself. Estates and trusts also qualify to get an EIN number. Regardless of who you are and why you need one, the application process to get an EIN number is very simple and surprisingly quick.

Instructions

1. Determine if you need to get an EIN number. Individual taxpayers who already have a Social Security number do not need to get an EIN number to file an income tax return. Individuals who pay employees (including a nanny or housekeeper) will need to get an EIN number. Businesses and corporate entities are the most common users of EIN numbers. The executor of a decedent's estate will also need to get an EIN number to file and pay the estate's federal taxes.

2. Organize your company, entity, or estate's information. You will need basic information, like the company or entity's registered name, trade name (the name the entity conducts business under, if it differs from the entity's registered name), physical address, and mailing address (if it differs). You will need to name the principal owner/donor/grantor for the entity (or trustor, if getting an EIN number for an estate), and his or her Social Security number or tax ID number. General information about the entity, like when and why it was formed and what its main operational purpose is, will also be necessary.

3. Obtain IRS Form SS-4 to get an EIN number. You can pick one up in person by visiting your local IRS office, or call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at toll-free at [phone] to have one mailed to you. You can also download and print a Form SS-4 directly from the IRS website, or use the IRS's interactive form system to complete Form SS-4 online and print out the completed application.

4. Submit your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS by mail using the address below:

   Internal Revenue Service
   Attn: EIN Operation
   Cincinnati, OH 45999

   You can also submit your application to get an EIN number by fax. Fax your completed Form SS-4 to [phone]. If you provide a return fax number, the IRS can provide you your new EIN number by fax in as little as three or four days.

Resources

• IRS.gov: IRS Form SS-4 (direct download) [PDF]
• IRS.gov: Employee ID Numbers