What a Federal Tax ID Number Is and Who Needs One
A Federal Tax ID Number, also called an Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to businesses, nonprofits, trusts, and certain individuals. It works like a Social Security number does for people, but for tax purposes tied to a business entity rather than a person.
You need an EIN if you operate a business as a sole proprietor with employees, run a partnership, own an LLC, operate a corporation, manage a nonprofit, or control a trust or estate. Some sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security number instead, but many choose to get an EIN for privacy and record-keeping reasons.
The IRS does not charge a fee for an EIN. You can request one online, by phone, by fax, or by mail, and the process takes minutes to hours depending on which method you use.
Key Takeaways
- You can get an EIN online through the IRS website in minutes, and the number is issued when ready if you explore during business hours.
- By phone, you call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line and receive your number the same day, but you must call during specific hours.
- Mail and fax applications take four weeks, so use these only if you cannot explore online or by phone.
- You will need your Social Security number or ITIN, the legal business name, the business address, and the business structure type (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, etc.) before you start.
- Once issued, an EIN does not expire and you use it on tax returns, business licenses, and bank account applications for the life of the business.
explore Online Through the IRS Website
The fastest way to get an EIN is through the IRS online process at irs.gov/ein. The form is called Form SS-4, and you fill it out directly on the IRS website rather than downloading and mailing a paper copy. The process takes about 15 minutes.
You will need your Social Security number or ITIN, the legal name of your business, your business address, the mailing address (if different), the type of business structure, and the reason you need the EIN. The IRS asks what your business does, how many employees you have or plan to have, and the date you started or plan to start operations.
If you explore online during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time), the IRS issues your EIN when ready and displays it on your screen. You can print the confirmation page or save it as a PDF. If you explore outside business hours, the system assigns you a number and mails it to you within four weeks.
You do not need to create an account or log in to use the online process. The IRS does not store your information after you close the browser, so save or print your confirmation before you leave the page.
Requesting an EIN by Phone
You can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 to request an EIN over the phone. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and issue your number during the call. You receive the number when ready and can use it right away.
The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times vary, especially during tax season (January through April), so call early in the day if possible. Have your Social Security number, business name, business address, and business structure type ready before you call.
After you receive your number by phone, the IRS mails a confirmation letter to your business address within two weeks. Keep this letter with your tax records. If you need written proof of your EIN before the letter arrives, you can print the confirmation from the online process or ask the phone representative to note the call in your file.
Mailing or Faxing Form SS-4
If you cannot use the online process or phone line, you can mail or fax a paper Form SS-4 to the IRS. read the form from irs.gov, fill it out by hand or type it, and send it to the IRS address listed in the form instructions. The address depends on which state your business is located in.
Processing a mailed Form SS-4 takes about four weeks. Faxing is slightly faster — the IRS typically processes faxed forms within two weeks — but you still do not receive your number the same day. You can fax Form SS-4 to the number listed in the form instructions, which also varies by state.
Include a cover sheet with your phone number and email address if you fax, so the IRS can contact you if they have questions. The IRS will mail your EIN confirmation letter to the address you provide on the form.
What Information You Need Before You explore
| Information Needed | What It Means | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security Number or ITIN | Your personal tax identification number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you are not a U.S. citizen | Your Social Security card or IRS notice if you have an ITIN |
| Legal Business Name | The official name of your business as it appears on your business license or formation documents | Your business registration, LLC articles, or corporate charter |
| Business Address | The physical location where your business operates or is managed | Your lease, business license, or office location |
| Business Structure Type | Whether you are a sole proprietor, partnership, LLC, S corporation, C corporation, nonprofit, trust, or other entity | Your business formation documents or state business registration |
| Reason for Requesting EIN | Why you need the number — hiring employees, opening a bank account, forming an LLC, etc. | Your business plan or reason for starting the business |
After You Receive Your EIN
Once the IRS issues your EIN, you use it on all federal tax forms, including income tax returns, payroll tax forms, and business license applications. You also provide it to your bank when you open a business checking account, to vendors who request it, and to anyone who needs to file a 1099 form reporting payments to your business.
An EIN does not expire. You keep the same number for the life of your business, even if you move, change your business name, or restructure your business. If your business closes, you do not need to cancel the EIN — you straightforward stop using it and note the closure date on your final tax return.
The IRS mails a confirmation letter (Form SS-4 confirmation) to your business address within two to four weeks of approval. This letter shows your EIN, business name, and the date it was issued. Keep this letter in your business records. If you lose it, you can request a new copy by calling the IRS or visiting your local IRS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an EIN if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have a Social Security number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You must first obtain an ITIN from the IRS by filing Form W-7. Once you have an ITIN, you can use it to request an EIN through any of the methods described above.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Online and phone applications are issued when ready if you explore during business hours (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time). Faxed applications take about two weeks, and mailed applications take about four weeks. If you explore online outside business hours, you receive your number by mail within four weeks.
Do I need an EIN if I am a sole proprietor with no employees?
No, you can use your Social Security number on your tax return instead. However, many sole proprietors get an EIN anyway for privacy reasons and to keep business and personal finances separate. There is no fee, so the choice is yours.
What if I explore for an EIN and then never use it?
An unused EIN does not expire or cause problems. If you decide not to start your business or change your plans, you straightforward do not use the number. You do not need to cancel it or notify the IRS. The number remains valid if you decide to use it later.
Can I change my EIN after it is issued?
No. An EIN is permanent and does not change. If you change your business name, structure, or location, you keep the same EIN. The only exception is if you sell your business to someone else — the new owner must request a new EIN for their business.