Employer Identification Number (EIN) – How to Apply

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS. It is used to identify the tax accounts of employers and certain others who have no employees. The IRS uses the number to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax returns. EINs are used by employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, non-profit associations, trusts, estates, government agencies, certain individuals, and other business entities. If you already have an EIN and the organization or ownership of your business changes, you may need to apply for a new number. For more information, refer to Do You Need an EIN on the IRS.gov website, Publication 1635, Understanding Your EIN, or call 800-829-4933.

Effective May 21, 2012, to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service limits Employer Identification Number (EIN) issuance to one per responsible party per day. This limitation is applicable to all requests for EINs whether online or by phone, fax or mail. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

There are four ways to apply for an EIN:

1. Online
2. Telephone
3. Fax, and
4. Mail

Online: The Internet is the preferred method to use when applying for an EIN and is available Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Visit www.irs.gov. The information submitted is validated during the online session. Once completed, an EIN is issued immediately. Taxpayers who apply online have an option to 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.) The online application is available for all entities whose principal business, office or agency, or legal residence (in the case of an individual), is located in the United States or U.S. Territories. Additionally, the principal officer, general partner, grantor, owner, trustor, executor, etc. must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (Social Security Number, EIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in order to use the online application. The online application is not available to Third Party Designees or for entities with foreign addresses (including Puerto Rico). Visit www.irs.gov and search the term EIN for more information.

By Telephone: You may obtain an EIN immediately by telephone 5 days a week, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (your local time), by calling the IRS at 800-829-4933. International applicants must call 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number) 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. The person making the call must be authorized to receive the EIN and answer questions concerning the Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number. Complete the Third Party Designee section only if you want to authorize the named individual to receive the entity’s EIN and answer questions about the completion of Form SS-4. The designee’s authority terminates at the time the EIN is assigned and released to the designee. You must complete the signature area for the authorization to be valid.

By Fax: You may obtain an EIN by completing Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, and faxing it to the IRS for processing. The IRS Fax numbers are provided in the Instructions SS-4. An EIN applied for by fax will be issued within 4 business days. Fax-Tin is available 24 hrs a day 7, days a week.

By Mail: You may also obtain an EIN by completing the Form SS-4 and mailing it to the IRS service center address listed on the Form SS-4 Instructions. Ensure that the Form SS-4 contains all of the required information. An EIN will be assigned and mailed to you within 4 to 5 weeks.