Employer Identification Number (EIN)

What is an employer identification number (EIN)?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit ID assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An EIN is one of five Tax ID Numbers (TINs), used to identify business entities and administer tax laws. The two-digit EIN prefix indicates where the number was assigned, and the subsequent seven digits identify the entity itself (e.g. XX-XXXXXXX).

Using this unique number reduces the likelihood of your business being misidentified as another. Much like a fingerprint, a business’s EIN is entirely unique—it never expires or gets recycled for another company.

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What is the difference between a TIN and an EIN?

Tax Identification Number (TIN) and EIN are often used interchangeably, but TIN is a more general term. It may refer to an EIN, as well as several other ID numbers, such as:

What is the difference between an EIN and a FEIN?

Your business tax ID number may also be referred to as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). There is no difference between EIN and FEIN—these terms are both used to describe the same nine-digit ID from the federal government.

What is a state EIN?

Even if your business has an EIN at the federal level, you may also be required to get another at the state level. Many companies must have a State Employer Identification Number, or a state EIN, for each state in which they pay taxes. Some entities may also use it to guard against identity theft (e.g. sole proprietors).

Tax ID laws vary from state to state. Business owners should review local requirements to find out if they need a state EIN and how to get one.

Do I need an EIN for my business?

You'll most likely need an EIN for your business to fulfill tax reporting requirements. For example, you need one if you have employees.

You’ll also need an EIN if any of the following apply:

It’s worth noting that self-employed people and contractors won’t need an EIN. But they might choose to get an EIN for tax reporting, to use instead of a social security number. This can help protect you from identity theft.

What are the benefits of an Employee Identification Number?

EINs offer a number of positives for your business. For one, they mean you can operate legally, hire employees, file taxes and do all the essential business tasks and transactions you’ll need to keep your head above water.

But they also help to keep your personal finances separate from your business ones and shield your personal information from fraud.

Can I get an EIN without a business?

If you don't have a business, you can't get an EIN. Instead, your SSN serves as your tax ID number. Keep in mind, if you're running your business as a sole proprietorship and don’t have any employees, you may not need or want an EIN since you’ll file a business tax return with your personal taxes using your SSN.

However, you may have to register for an EIN if any of the following changes occur:

How to set up an EIN

If you need a business tax ID from the IRS, simply apply for an EIN online. The processing time depends on how you apply, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

You can submit Form SS-4 in the following ways:

To receive a State EIN, contact a local agency that handles employment taxes.

Where do I find my EIN if it’s lost?

If you once had an employer ID but can’t find it, you don’t have to apply for it again. Instead, try these methods:

How to report business identity theft

If you suspect your misplaced EIN is being used fraudulently, report this information to the IRS. Businesses, estates, trusts, and other entities may use Form 14039-B if they think someone else is submitting tax returns or W-2 forms under their number.

How do I find the EIN of a company?

You can find the EIN of a company by using the EDGAR database of the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Select the search field labeled “Company and Person Lookup” and then check the filing for either Form 10-K or Form 10-Q, both of which will contain the company’s EIN.

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