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Inc Authority has helped more than 4 million businesses get started, and an EIN is one of the first steps nearly every one of them takes.
EIN Number at a Glance
- An EIN is a free, nine-digit federal tax ID issued by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes.
- Most businesses need an EIN, including all corporations, partnerships, multi-member LLCs, and any business with employees, but some sole proprietors without employees can use their SSN instead.
- You can apply online at IRS.gov in minutes and receive your number immediately. The tool is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, with a limit of one EIN per responsible party per day.
- An EIN is not the same as a TIN, SSN, ITIN, or state tax ID. Each serves a different purpose and applies to a different type of taxpayer.
- If you’ve lost your EIN, recover it from your original IRS confirmation letter, a previously filed tax return, or by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.
- Even if you’re not legally required to have an EIN, getting one protects your personal SSN and is typically required to open a business bank account or apply for business licenses.
What Is an EIN Number?
An EIN is a unique nine-digit identifier, formatted as XX-XXXXXXX, that the IRS assigns to businesses and other legal entities to track federal tax obligations. Think of it as a Social Security number for your business: a permanent ID the IRS uses to connect your entity to every return, payment, and filing it submits. Once issued, an EIN stays with that entity permanently. The IRS doesn’t expire or reassign them.
Using your EIN on vendor and contractor paperwork instead of your personal SSN keeps your Social Security number off forms that get shared, stored, and filed by third parties. This is a straightforward way to reduce identity theft exposure, even when you aren’t legally required to have one.
The EIN also goes by several names, including federal tax ID, FEIN, and TIN, but those terms are not all interchangeable. Knowing the distinctions prevents mistakes when you fill out bank forms, state licensing applications, or IRS paperwork.
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EIN vs. Federal Tax ID vs. TIN vs. SSN vs. ITIN: What’s the Difference?
These terms get used interchangeably, sometimes even by the IRS, and that overlap trips up a lot of first-time business owners.
| Identifier | Full Name | Issued By | Who Uses It | When You Need It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EIN | Employer Identification Number | IRS | Businesses, nonprofits, trusts, estates | Hiring employees, filing business taxes, opening a business bank account |
| TIN | Taxpayer Identification Number | IRS (umbrella term) | Any U.S. taxpayer | Anytime a tax ID is required — EINs, SSNs, and ITINs are all TINs |
| FEIN / Federal Tax ID | Federal Employer Identification Number | IRS | Businesses | Same as an EIN — these are the same number |
| SSN | Social Security Number | Social Security Administration | U.S. citizens and eligible residents | Personal income taxes, employment eligibility |
| ITIN | Individual Taxpayer Identification Number | IRS | Non-residents and others ineligible for an SSN | Filing a U.S. federal tax return without an SSN |
| State Tax ID | State Employer ID or State Tax Registration Number | State revenue or tax agency | Businesses with state tax obligations | State payroll taxes, sales tax collection, state business registration |
“TIN” is an umbrella term, not a standalone identifier. Every EIN, SSN, and ITIN is technically a TIN. When a form asks for a TIN, it’s asking for whichever applies to you or your business.
What Is a Federal Tax ID Number?
“Federal tax ID,” “EIN,” and FEIN all refer to the same nine-digit number the IRS assigns to your business. The terms are fully interchangeable. There’s no functional difference between them.
EIN vs. State Tax ID: Are They the Same?
No. A state tax ID is a separate number issued by your state’s revenue or tax agency, not the IRS. You may need one for state-level obligations like collecting sales tax or remitting state payroll taxes. Getting a federal EIN does not automatically register your business with your state or generate a state tax ID.
Who Needs an EIN Number?
The IRS requires an EIN if you have employees, operate as a corporation or partnership, file excise tax returns, withhold taxes on non-resident alien income, or maintain a Keogh retirement plan. If none of those apply to you right now, you may still want one. The sections below explain why.
Entity-by-Entity EIN Requirements
| Entity Type | EIN Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietor (no employees, no excise tax) | Optional | Can use SSN instead; EIN recommended to protect personal SSN |
| Sole proprietor (with employees or excise tax) | Required | |
| Single-member LLC (no employees) | Optional but recommended | Most banks require it to open a business account |
| Single-member LLC (with employees) | Required | |
| Multi-member LLC | Required | |
| Partnership | Required | |
| S Corporation | Required | |
| C Corporation | Required | |
| Nonprofit (tax-exempt organization) | Required | Must have one to apply for tax-exempt status |
| Trust or estate | Required |
Do I Need an EIN if I’m a Sole Proprietor?
Sole proprietors with no employees and no excise tax obligations can legally use their SSN as their business tax ID. An EIN keeps your SSN off vendor forms, 1099s, and client paperwork, reducing your identity theft exposure. The moment you hire even one employee, an EIN is required.
Does a Single-Member LLC Need an EIN?
A single-member LLC is treated as a “disregarded entity” for federal tax purposes, so one without employees isn’t automatically required to have an EIN. In practice, most banks require one to open a business account in the LLC’s name, and most attorneys recommend getting one to maintain a clear line between personal and business identity. If your LLC has employees or must file certain excise tax returns, the requirement kicks in immediately.
What Is an EIN Number Used For?
- Filing federal business tax returns. Corporations, partnerships, and most LLCs file under an EIN, not a personal SSN. The IRS uses it to match every return and payment to your entity.
- Running payroll. You need an EIN before you can legally hire employees, withhold federal income taxes, or submit payroll tax deposits.
- Opening a business bank account. Most banks require an EIN before they’ll open a business checking or savings account in your company’s name.
- Applying for business licenses and permits. Many state and local agencies ask for your federal tax ID during the licensing process.
- Building business credit. Lenders, vendors, and credit reporting agencies use your EIN to track your business credit history separately from your personal credit profile.
- Reporting contractor payments on Form 1099. When you pay a contractor $600 or more in a year, Form 1099 requires your EIN.
- Applying for tax-exempt status. Nonprofits must have an EIN before filing Form 1023 or 1023-EZ for 501(c)(3) status.
- Establishing a Keogh plan or solo 401(k). The IRS requires an EIN to set up certain self-employed retirement plans, regardless of whether your business has employees.
How to Apply for an EIN Number
Applying is free. You have three options: online, by fax, or by mail. Online is fastest and what the IRS recommends for most applicants.
What Information Do You Need Before You Apply
The IRS online session expires if you don’t complete it in one sitting, so gather this first.
- Legal name of the business or entity (exactly as it appears in formation documents)
- Trade name or DBA, if applicable
- Mailing address of the business
- Responsible party’s name and SSN or ITIN, the individual who owns, controls, or exercises ultimate effective control over the entity
- Entity type (sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.)
- Reason for applying (new business, hired employees, banking requirements, etc.)
- Date the business started or was acquired
- Highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months
- Principal activity of the business
How to Apply for an EIN Online (Step-by-Step)
The IRS online tool is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, with a limit of one EIN per responsible party per day.
- Go to IRS.gov and navigate to the EIN online application tool under the Business section.
- Confirm your eligibility. The responsible party must have a valid SSN or ITIN, and the principal place of business must be in the U.S. or a U.S. territory.
- Select your entity type from the IRS list.
- Enter the responsible party’s information, including their name and SSN or ITIN.
- Provide your business details, including address, start date, principal business activity, and expected employee count.
- Review your entries before submitting to catch any errors.
- Submit the application and receive your EIN immediately on screen. Print or save the confirmation page. The IRS will not issue a duplicate online.
How to Apply by Fax or Mail
Complete IRS Form SS-4 and submit by fax or mail. Fax applications process in approximately four business days; mail applications take four to five weeks.
International applicants, those without a U.S. SSN or ITIN, cannot use the online tool. They must complete Form SS-4 and call the IRS international EIN line at 267-941-1099, or submit the form by fax or mail.
How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN, and Is It Free?
| Application Method | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Online (IRS.gov) | Immediate upon completion | Free |
| Fax (Form SS-4) | ~4 business days | Free |
| Mail (Form SS-4) | 4–5 weeks | Free |
| Phone (international applicants only) | During the call | Free |
Getting an EIN directly from the IRS is always free, whether you’re applying, receiving your number, or replacing a lost confirmation letter.
If you need the EIN to open a bank account before your first client payment clears, online is the only same-day option.
How to Find, Verify, or Recover a Lost EIN
Check your IRS confirmation letter, a prior tax return, or call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. Most business owners find it in one of the first two places. No new application is required.
- Check your IRS CP 575 notice. The IRS mailed this confirmation letter to the address on your original application. It includes your nine-digit number.
- Pull a previously filed federal tax return. Your EIN appears at the top of any return filed under your business, including Form 1120, Form 1065, Form 941, or Schedule C.
- Check a W-2 or 1099 you’ve issued. Your EIN is printed on every W-2 and Form 1099 your business has filed.
- Ask your bank. If you used your EIN to open a business bank account, the bank has it on file.
- Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line. Dial 800-829-4933, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. An IRS representative can confirm your EIN after verifying your identity as an authorized representative.
The IRS does not reissue the CP 575 letter. If you need official written confirmation, request an EIN verification letter (Form 147C) when you call. The IRS can mail or fax it on that same call. For guidance on can you change your EIN number, see Inc Authority’s dedicated resource.
EIN Number FAQs
What Is an EIN Number Used For?
An EIN identifies your business to the IRS for federal tax purposes. You’ll use it to file business tax returns, run payroll, open a business bank account, report contractor payments on Form 1099, apply for business licenses, and, for nonprofits, apply for tax-exempt status.
Who Needs to Get an EIN Number?
All corporations, partnerships, and multi-member LLCs are required to have one, as is any business with employees. Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs without employees can use an SSN instead, but an EIN is recommended to protect your personal Social Security number.
Do I Need an EIN or TIN for My LLC?
TIN is an umbrella term. An EIN is a type of TIN. A multi-member LLC always requires an EIN. A single-member LLC without employees isn’t legally required to have one, but most banks require an EIN to open a business account, and most attorneys recommend getting one to maintain a clear separation between personal and business identity.
Can I Look up My EIN Number?
Yes. Check your original IRS CP 575 confirmation letter, any previously filed federal tax return, or a W-2 or 1099 your business has issued. If you can’t locate any of those, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.
Does a DBA Require a Separate EIN?
No. A DBA is a trade name, not a separate legal entity. The EIN of the underlying business covers all DBAs operating under it. You only need a new EIN when you form a new, legally distinct entity.
Can a Foreign National or Non-U.S. Resident Get an EIN?
Yes. There is no citizenship or residency requirement. Foreign nationals cannot use the IRS online tool, which requires a U.S. SSN or ITIN. They must complete Form SS-4 and apply by calling 267-941-1099, or submit the form by fax or mail.
Do I Need a New EIN if I Change My Business Structure?
In most cases, yes. Converting a sole proprietorship to a corporation, forming a partnership from a sole proprietorship, or purchasing or inheriting a business all require a new EIN. Changing your business name, address, or adding a DBA does not. The IRS publishes a complete list of triggering structure changes on IRS.gov.
What Is a “Responsible Party” on an EIN Application?
The responsible party is the individual who owns or controls the entity, or who exercises ultimate effective control over how its assets are managed. For most small businesses, that’s the owner or principal officer. They must supply their own SSN or ITIN on the application.
What Is Form SS-4 and When Do I Need It?
Form SS-4 is the IRS’s official EIN application form. Online applicants never complete it directly. The IRS tool collects the same information through a guided interface. You need the form only if applying by fax, mail, or phone as an international applicant. Some lenders and state agencies may also request a completed SS-4 to verify your business details after you already have an EIN. Download Form SS-4 from IRS.gov.
Do Nonprofits Need an EIN?
Yes. Nonprofits must have an EIN before the IRS will process a Form 1023 or 1023-EZ application for 501(c)(3) status, and they need one to open a bank account, accept donations, and file annual Form 990 returns. The application process is the same as for any other entity. Learn more about does my nonprofit need an EIN.
Do Trusts and Estates Need an EIN?
Yes. A revocable living trust typically uses the grantor’s SSN during their lifetime but needs its own EIN once the grantor dies and the trust becomes irrevocable. Estates of deceased individuals generally need an EIN to file Form 1041 and manage estate assets during administration. The executor or administrator is typically the responsible party on the application. See the full guide on getting an EIN number for an estate for step-by-step instructions.