How to Request a Tax Identification Number
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues tax identification numbers to companies for tax purposes. There isn't a cost for requesting a tax identification number, and the process is fairly easy. Companies have four options for requesting this number, including online, by phone, mail and fax. Requesting a number online or by phone are the quickest options.
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Instructions
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Apply for a tax identification number online. A tax identification number can be obtained on the IRS website (see Resources). You will need to complete a quick questionnaire, asking about your business type (sole proprietor, partnership, corporate or limited liability company), number of employees (if any) and the reason why you're applying for an EIN (new business, banking purposes or you've purchased a new business). After submitting the information, a tax identification number will be issued instantly. You can start using the number right away.
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Contact the IRS to receive a tax identification number on the phone. Call the IRS at 800-829-4933. A staff member will ask you several questions about your business, such as business type, number of employees and reason for applying for an EIN. After recording your responses, the IRS employee will provide you a tax identification number over the phone. The tax number will also be sent through the mail.
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Fax a request. Another option for securing a tax identification number is submitting an SS-4 form (see Resources) through fax. The fax number is located on the form. The IRS will process the request and send you the EIN number through mail. If you include a return fax number, they will also send the number through fax.
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Mail your SS-4 application. Download the application form online (see Resources) and mail to the address included on the form. According to the IRS, mail requests are the slowest, taking up to four weeks to process.
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Tips & Warnings
Business owners filling out a tax identification number request online must provide a personal taxpayer identification number. Without this number, your request won't be processed.
Don't forget to double-check the SS-4 form before faxing or mailing to the IRS. Incomplete application materials may delay the processing of your tax identification number request.
