An Employee Identification Number (EIN) is a 9-digit unique identifier for your business, much like a Social Security Number (SSN) is a unique number assigned to an individual. It does not expire and once it has been assigned it’s never issued again.
All businesses should obtain an EIN. You will need an EIN to pay employees, file business tax returns, open a business bank account or obtain a loan. Failure to obtain an EIN may block your business from filing taxes appropriately, which can result in additional fees and penalties.
To obtain an EIN you will need:
- A principal officer for the business (this is the individual responsible for the business)
- The taxpayer identification for the principal officer (SSN, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or EIN)
How to Apply
You may apply for an EIN from the Federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) either online, by fax, or by mail.
- Applying online should take no more than 15 minutes, and you will receive your EIN right away.
- Applying by fax, write your fax number in bold on the top of your application. The IRS will be able to fax your EIN back to typically within 4 days.
- Applying by mail may take 2 to 4 weeks.
If you do not have a SSN or an ITIN, you can apply by fax or by mail using Form SS-4, or if you want to apply online, you need to get an ITIN or SSN.