Employer Identification Number - EIN or FEIN
Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a nine-digit number (format: XX-XXXXXXX) assigned by the IRS to business entities operating in the United States for the purposes of identification. The IRS uses the number to identify taxpayers who are required to file various business tax returns. EINs are used by employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, non-profit associations, trusts, government agencies, certain individuals, and other business entities.
EIN, is also referred as Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or the Federal Tax Identification Number. , is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to business entities operating in the United States for the purposes of identification.
For more information, refer to Do you Need EIN and Publication 1635.pdf, Understanding Your EIN.
Applying for an EIN
- Online - The Internet is the preferred method to use when applying for an EIN. The online EIN application is available Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time. Once the application is completed, the information is validated during the online session, and an EIN is issued immediately. Taxpayers who apply online can view, print, and save their EIN assignment notice at the end of the session (Authorized third party designees will receive the EIN; however, the EIN assignment notice will be mailed to the applicant.).
- By Fax - You can fax the completed Form SS-4.pdf, Application for Employer Identification Number to the appropriate fax number for processing. You can receive your EIN by fax generally within 4 business days. You can apply by fax 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- By Mail - You can mail the completed Form SS-4 to the IRS service center address listed on the Form SS-4 Instructions or see "Where to File Your Taxes" (for Form SS-4.pdf). Ensure that the Form SS-4 contains all of the required information. Mail Form SS-4 at least 4 to 5 weeks before you need your EIN to file a return or make a deposit. You will receive your EIN in the mail in approximately 4 weeks.
Important things to know about your EIN
- An EIN is for use in connection with your business activities only. Do not use your EIN in place of your social security number (SSN).
- Usually it takes about 15 days to update your EIN in IRS data base. 2290 Tax returns with new EIN will be rejected, make sure that the number is at least 15 days old before you submit your 2290 with the IRS for processing.
- EINs do not expire. Once an EIN has been issued to an entity, it will not be reissued.
- If you already have an EIN and the organization or ownership of your business changes, you may need to apply for a new number. Talk to IRS with reference to ownership change and holding EIN rights.
- You should have only one EIN for the same business entity. If you have more than one EIN and are not sure which one to use, call the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 (TTY/TDD users can call 1-800-829-4059). Provide the numbers that you have, the name and address to which each was assigned, and the address of your main place of business. The IRS will tell you which number to use. If you do not have your EIN by the time your return is due, write “Applied For” and the date that you applied for it in the space shown for the number.