Learn how to get an EIN online, by mail, or by fax.
An Employer Identification Number ( EIN ) is a nine-digit total used by the IRS to identify a business and track the wages paid to employees and the business owners. A responsible party, such as an owner or general director, applies for an EIN on behalf of the business, using his or her own name adenine well as the clientele name. You ‘ll use an EIN, besides called a Federal Tax Identification Number ( FTIN ), when you file taxes and prepare early official reports that might be required for your business .
When Do You Need an EIN?
A business needs an EIN when it :
- has employees or plans to hire employees within 12 months of filing an EIN application
- has a Keogh Plan (a tax deferred pension plan usually used by self-employed individuals)
- operates in certain industries (such as trucking) that are required to pay federal excise taxes, or
- is required to have a license to operate.
Certain types of business entities such as corporations and partnerships, need to have an EIN regardless of whether they meet any of the criteria listed above. Nolo provides a complete list of the types of commercial enterprise entities and conditions that require an EIN here.
Reading: How to Get an EIN Number
even when the IRS rules do not require a business to have an EIN, you might need or want one in one or both of these situations : A bank might require one before it will let you open a business score. And, using an EIN in your business dealings alternatively of your personal Social Security Number will help to reduce the gamble of identity larceny .
How to Apply for an EIN
Getting an EIN is complimentary, and you need no special cognition to apply. The IRS allows you to apply on-line, by U.S. mail, or facsimile, though use on-line is fastest and you can normally get your EIN immediately upon submitting the application. Some third base parties will apply for an EIN on your behalf, and appoint you for the service. To avoid paying a tip, lend oneself directly to the IRS .
To Apply Online
Visit the IRS web site to apply and submit an application on-line. You ‘ll receive a confirmation letter and your EIN immediately upon submitting your application .
To Apply by U.S. Mail or Fax
To submit your application by mail or facsimile, you ‘ll beginning need to obtain a copy of phase SS-4 on the IRS web site. Fax your completed form to ( 855 ) 641-6935 or mail it to :
Internal Revenue Service
Attn : EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999
If you apply for your EIN by facsimile and provide a facsimile number on your application, you will receive your EIN in about four days. If you mail your application, you ‘ll typically receive your EIN in four to six weeks .
If Your business Is Located Outside the U.S.
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he IRS has a different application operation for occupation owners who do n’t have a U.S. residency and the commercial enterprise does n’t have a U.S. localization. extra information is available on the IRS web site .
The Information You’ll Need
You ‘ll need to provide the follow data when you apply for an EIN :
- the name of the person responsible for the business (usually the business owner)
- Social Security Number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or Employer Identification Number of the responsible party
- the name of the business
- the mailing address of the business
- the type of business entity — whether it is a corporation, a partnership and so on. (Additional details are required for certain business entity structures.)
- the reason for applying for an EIN
- the date the business was started or acquired
- the number of employees on payroll or expected in the next 12 months
- the date you’ll start to pay wages, and
- the type of business (such as construction, manufacturing, retail) and the activity of the business (such as computer sales, home repair services, and so on).
If you ‘ve previously had an EIN, you ‘ll besides need to provide it. You can besides designate person else ( like a lawyer or accountant ) to receive the confirmation letter and EIN from the IRS .
If You’ve Lost or Misplaced Your EIN
If you ca n’t locate the letter you received from the IRS confirming your application and providing your EIN, you can try the play along steps to find your number :
Look up a previous tax return. If you ‘ve had your EIN during a anterior tax year, you can find it on your tax return .
Contact your bank or local licensing agency. If you used your EIN to open a bank bill or apply for a business license, you can ask the bank or representation that issued the license to look up your EIN .
Contact the IRS. Call the Business & Specialty Tax Line at the IRS at 800-829-4933. The IRS will give you the number over the call, vitamin a long as you are the person authorized to receive it and you are able to answer the questions they ask to verify your identify.
When Do You Need a New EIN?
Changing the name or address of your business normally does n’t require you to get a modern EIN. But changes in your occupation social organization or its possession normally will require a new EIN. For example, if you applied for an EIN as a exclusive owner and you late take on partners and change your commercial enterprise entity to a partnership, you ‘ll have to get a new EIN .
You can find a complete description of the events that trigger the indigence for a new EIN on the IRS web site, “ Do You Need a New EIN ? “
The lotion is the lapp whether you are applying for the first gear time or you need a raw EIN .
