Learn How To Apply For An EIN
The IRS uses employer identification numbers (EINs) to keep track of businesses.
Your business must have an EIN if it:
- Has employees
- Operates as a corporation or partnership
- Has a qualified retirement plan
- Is required to file a return for any of these:
- Employment tax
- Excise tax
- Alcohol, tobacco, and firearms
- Is required to withhold taxes on income other than wages paid to a nonresident alien
The IRS also requires an EIN for:
- Trusts, except for:
- Certain grantor-owned revocable trusts
- Exempt organization business income returns
- IRAs
- Estates
- Real estate mortgage investment conduits (REMICs)
- Nonprofit organizations
- Farmers’ cooperatives
- Plan administrators
You can get an EIN by filing Form SS-4. To get this form, visit www.irs.gov. File the form via:
- Phone — Complete the form before calling 800-829-4933. You’ll get a number for immediate use.
- Online — Visit www.irs.gov/businesses, and click Employer ID Numbers (EINs). You’ll get a number for immediate use.
- Fax — Complete the form and fax it to your area’s fax number, found on the form. The IRS should process your faxed request within four business days.
- Mail — See Form SS-4 instructions for your area’s mailing address. The IRS should process your mailed request within approximately four to six weeks
To learn more, see Publication 1635: Understanding Your EIN at www.irs.gov.
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