Employer Identification Number (EIN)

What Is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

The term employer identification number (EIN) refers to a unique identifier that is assigned to a business entity so that it can easily be identified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). EINs are commonly used by employers for the purpose of reporting taxes. The number is made up of nine digits and is formatted as XX-XXXXXXX. Businesses can apply for EINs directly through the IRS, which usually issues them immediately.

Understanding Employer Identification Numbers (EINs)

Employer identification numbers are issued to identify business entities in the United States the same way Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are used to identify individual residents of the country. The EIN is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number. When it is used to identify a corporation for tax purposes, it is commonly referred to as a Tax Identification Number (TIN).

As noted above, EINs are unique nine-digit numbers that are formatted as XX-XXXXXXX. EINs are issued by the IRS and include information about the state in which the corporation is registered. The agency uses EINs to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax returns.

You need an EIN if you have employees, operate as corporations or partnerships, file certain tax returns, or withhold taxes from income other than wages. Business entities must apply for an EIN by phone, online, fax, or mail before they can begin operations. All forms of businesses can apply for and be issued EINs, including:

The IRS is not biased towards the size of the company. This means even those with only one employee are just as eligible for an EIN as multinational corporations.

The EIN is not considered to be sensitive information the same way a Social Security number is and is freely distributed by businesses online and in print publications.

Special Considerations

Businesses that change their ownership structure usually must apply for a new EIN. For example, sole proprietors who plan to incorporate their businesses must apply for a new EIN.

Depending on the nature of the particular taxpayer, the EIN may or may not be the TIN used by the IRS. For sole proprietors, the TIN is their Social Security number or an employer identification number. For corporations, partnerships, trusts, and estates, this number is an EIN.

How to Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Applying for an EIN costs nothing. Applications can be made by phone (for those who aren't in the United States but will do business in the country), fax, mail, or online. The process is fairly easy and uncomplicated.

Applicants must fill out Form SS-4: Application for Employer Identification Number, which is available on the IRS website. The IRS requires the following information to be included on the application in order to issue an EIN, such as the name of the company's principal officer, partner, trustor, owner, or any other title, along with their personal taxpayer identification number (SSN, ITIN, EIN).

Some of the information that must be included on the form includes:

A business must be located in the U.S. or U.S. territories to apply for an EIN online. Once the online information is validated, an EIN is assigned immediately.

The person responsible for the business, regardless of their title within the company, must be an individual and not an entity.

Benefits of an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

EINs are unique to the businesses to which they are assigned. The numbers never expire, and the same number set is never reissued to another business, even if the original employer goes out of business.

The main advantage of getting one is being able to operate. You can't run your business without it. You must apply for an employer identification number before you even get started. You also need an EIN to do the following:

Getting an EIN allows you to keep your personal finances separate from your business ones. This allows you to shield your personal information and keep it protected from identity theft.

Self-employed individuals such as subcontractors are typically required to have an EIN, which will be used by the primary contractor to report to the IRS all business income paid to the subcontractor.

What Happens If You Lose or Misplace Your EIN?

If you misplace your EIN, look for it on the notice sent to you by the IRS when your EIN was issued You can also try to recover it by contacting the financial institution where you do your day-to-day banking. Or you can also find it on your previous tax returns. If all else fails, contact the IRS' Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Make sure you have any identifying information on hand before you speak to an operator.

Does My Business Need an EIN?

Every business entity needs an employer identification number, including those that have employees, operate as corporations or partnerships, file certain tax returns (Employment, Excise, or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms), withhold income taxes on income other than wages.

How Do I Find an Employer Identification Number?

You can find an employer identification number using a tax return, applications for bank accounts or credit, on any state licenses or permits, or on forms used to report work done as an independent contractor or payments made by your business.