In the Unites States, it is mandatory for every business with employees have an Employment Identification Number (EIN) unless under prescribed conditions by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Before you apply for an EIN, let's review the qualifications and the application link so you can get one in the next five minutes at no cost.
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Your EIN also functions as your state tax ID and your federal tax ID number and works just like a social security number, but for your business. This EIN number lets your business pay state and federal taxes. You may see called a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN).
What is an EIN
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is an identification number issued by the IRS that helps identify your business. You will use this EIN for business bank accounts, income tax, loans, affiliate applications, W2 submissions and employment forms.
IRS Requirements for an EIN Number
If any of the following statements are true, you'll need to get an ein:
- Your business has employees.
- You file business taxes.
- Your business withholds taxes on income paid.
- Your business is a partnership or corporation.
- Do you file any employment, excise, alcohol, tobacco or firearms tax returns?
- Do you have a Keogh plan?
Let me show you how easy it is to get your EIN in under five minutes.
Apply for EIN Number
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Follow these steps on how to apply for an EIN:
1. Determine Your Eligibility for an EIN
Before applying for an EIN, make sure you meet the following conditions:
• Your business is located in the USA or territories.
• The business owner ought to have a valid taxpayer ID such as Social Security Number.
It is not compulsory for the business owner to make the application but can send out a business partner or company officer. The IRS recognizes an officer as any individual that manages the company finances. Company secretary may also make the application with a signed SS-4 form by a responsible party.
2. Get EIN Number Online, Phone, Fax
Online Application

Business owners wishing to apply for the EIN via IRS website can get application support from the configured online EIN assistant. The online application platform hours are from Monday to Friday as from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
The online assistant will guide you step by step on the application procedure. Once the ein application is complete, a notification letter page pops up allowing you to print and save a copy. The IRS system automatically logs you out of the platform strictly after 15 minutes.
Phone
Call the IRS Business and Specialty tax line at 800-829-4933. However, ensure you have your business details at your fingerprints for a smooth phone application process.
Fax
After successfully filling the SS-4 form and signing, fax the signed form to the IRS system for system upload.
Mistakes when Applying for an EIN Number
Failure to acquire the EIN may lock a business from filing their taxes and enjoying other benefits that accrue with the EIN.
Fortunately, the process of acquiring the EIN is free and user friendly. Ensure you grasp some basic information of your business to aid in the application via IRS website.
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Can you get an EIN for a DBA?
DBA stands for “doing business as” in case you want to explore different niches or create different brand names under one umbrella. If you need more info on dba's, click here.
When you follow the steps above, you will apply for an EIN with the IRS assistance tool. It will guide you through questions and ask for your name, social security number, address, and your “Doing Business As” (DBA) name. Your nine-digit federal tax ID becomes available immediately upon verification.
IRS EIN Lookup: How to Look Up your EIN
Looking for IRS EIN Number lookup?

If you previously applied for and received an ein number for your business, but have since misplaced it, here's how to find my ein number:
- Find the computer-generated notice issued by the IRS when you applied for your EIN. This notice is a confirmation of your application for, and receipt of an EIN. The number is located in the upper right.
- If you used your ein number to open a bank account, or apply for any type of state or local license, you can contact the bank or agency to find your EIN.
- Find a previously filed tax return and the ein number is on the first page at the top of the return. Your previously filed return should be notated with your EIN.
- Ask the IRS to search for your EIN by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. The hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.
Frequently Asked Questions About an EIN
You can file an EIN in under five minutes at no cost. Follow the steps above to fill out IRS form SS-4 or file immediately online. The IRS does not charge a filing fee to get an EIN.
An EIN number is a 9 digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your business. You'll use this number to open up banking accounts, business credit cards, biz loans and lines of credits.
An EIN stands for employer identification number and you'll use it to open up business checking accounts, file tax returns, open up business credit cards, merchant accounts and business loans or lines of credit.
Yes. You'll need a social security to get an EIN for your business. All you need to obtain an EIN for tax purposes without having a SSN is a third-party like your accountant or lawyer that is accountable for your business before starting the EIN application process.
Who qualifies as a third-party designee?
A third-party designee is an enterprise or business entity in the United States who is seen by the IRS as a credible representative of your business. They are given temporary authorization to act on your behalf during the formation process.
Follow the steps below to apply for an ein:
Apply Online
The Internet EIN application is the preferred method for customers to apply for and obtain an EIN. Once the application is completed, the information is validated during the online session, and an EIN is issued immediately.
Apply by Fax
Taxpayers can fax the completed Form SS-4 PDF application to the appropriate fax number (see Where to File Your Taxes (for Form SS-4)), after ensuring that the Form SS-4 contains all of the required information.
Apply by Mail
The processing timeframe for an EIN application received by mail is four weeks. Ensure that the Form SS-4 PDF contains all of the required information. If it is determined that the entity needs a new EIN, one will be assigned using the appropriate procedures for the entity type and mailed to the taxpayer. Find out where to mail Form SS-4 on the Where to File Your Taxes (for Form SS-4) page.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a identification number issued by the IRS to identify your business so it can file and pay business taxes. You will use this EIN for business bank accounts, income tax, loans, affiliate applications, W2 submissions and employment forms.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify your business. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online.
The fastest way to find your ein number is to check the top right of your EIN confirmation letter. I prefer to place that letter in my corporation docs. You can also ask the IRS to search for your EIN by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. The hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.
Your ein number allows you to do business and report financial info to the IRS. The EIN number is public record.
According to the IRS, if you make ownership changes or bankruptcy, then you will need a new EIN for your business. For example, if the structure of your business changes. If you purchase or inherit your business from another owner, and if your business goes through bankruptcy it will need a new EIN number.
And you just have to follow the steps above to file for a new one in less than 5 minutes.
EIN stands for Employer Identification Number and is used to identify a business entity. It's also known as Federal Tax Identification Number. You may apply for an EIN and use this guide on this page to get your EIN in five minutes for free.
Yes. Your Federal Tax Identification Number is also know as EIN, EIN Number, Tax ID Number or 95 Number.