Anyone who operates a business may be required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain an “Employee Identification Number,” also known as a “Tax Id Number.” Just as the IRS uses a Social Security number to identify individual taxpayers, a unique EIN is used to identify a business.
If the form you fill out asks for a federal employer identification number (EIN) or “Federal INAV” and you don’t have one, it’s time to ask yourself: Do you really need an EIN, and if you do, how will you get one ?
The IRS requires companies to provide their EIN on all tax documents and forms. Not all businesses need an EIN, but if yours does, the IRS offers several ways to get one.
Does your business need a federal tax identification number?
Any business that offers goods or services that are exempt from taxes in any case must obtain a federal tax ID number. If your state taxes personal services, or if you must collect sales taxes on your sales, you need an EIN. All government forms you will need to file for your business will require either your EIN or Social Security number.
With some exceptions, any business that has employees or pays any federal, state or local taxes will need an employer identification number.
Apply online for an EIN
The fastest way to apply for an EIN is online through the secure EIN Assistant page of the IPS website. You will be provided with your EIN immediately after completing the short application form.
After completing the online application, the IRS will generate your new EIN, which you can start using immediately. You will receive an IRS download document confirming that your application was successful and securing your EIN. Keep a copy on your computer and print it for your records in case you forget your EIN.
No files for EINs by fax or mail
The IRS also accepts applications for EINs by fax or email. For these methods, you need to fill out the IRS SS-4 form and contact the appropriate office, depending on where you live. Anyone whose principal place of business is in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia can file for an EIN by:
Internal Revenue Service
ATTN: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, Ohio 45999
Fax: (855) 641-6935
For applications by fax, include the return fax number so the IRS can respond with the EIN within four days. By mail, the timeline for the IRS to process an application is four weeks.
Get your Federal Tax ID number by phone
Only international applicants may apply by phone and must answer questions regarding the SS-4. These programs can be completed by calling 267-941-1099.
Required information for all Ein applications
The EIN application process requires some basic information, including:
- The type of EIN you apply for is, for example, a sole proprietorship, corporation, LLC, partnership, or estate
- The reason for applying for an EIN, such as starting a new business, banking purposes, or a number of other reasons
- Your name
- Your social security number
Several Federal Tax Identification Number Tips
If you have lost or forgotten your EIN, you can always call the toll-free IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.
The IRS representative will ask you for some identifying information, such as your Social Security number, to verify that you are the person authorized to obtain an EIN.
Once you have completed the application and the IRS has assigned an EIN, the number cannot be revoked. However, if you never decide you no longer need an EIN, the IRS can close your business account for you. If you need it again, the EIN remains available to you and will never be reassigned to anyone by the IRS.
