How to Apply for an EIN - Employer Identification Number Application - SS4

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Sarah

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) provides a permanent federal tax identifier usable right away for many business needs such as opening a bank account, applying for business licenses, and filing a tax return. The EIN becomes part of IRS permanent records within up to two weeks after any application method, after which electronic filing, electronic payment, and IRS matching programs can be used. The guide explains EIN purpose, what to do if an EIN is lost, and multiple application routes including online submission, telephone requests, and completing Form SS-4.

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Purpose of an Employer Identification Number

Employer identification numbers for tax administration

If You Have Lost or Misplaced Your EIN

How to Apply for an EIN

Apply Online

Apply By EIN Toll-Free Telephone Service

Use Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number)

Sole Proprietor/Individual: Line-by-line SS-4 entries

Employer Identification Number Application This EIN is your permanent number and can be used immediately for most of your business needs, including opening a bank account, applying for business licenses, and filing a tax return by mail. However, no matter how you apply (phone, fax, mail, or online), it will take up to two weeks before your EIN becomes part of the IRS' permanent records. You must wait until this occurs before you can file an electronic return, make an electronic payment, or pass an IRS Taxpayer Identification Number matching program. Purpose of an Employer Identification Number Employer identification numbers are issued for the purpose of tax administration and are not intended for participation in any other activities (e.g. , tax lien auction or sales, lotteries, etc. ) If you have lost or misplaced your EIN If you are a home-care service recipient who has a previously assigned EIN either as a sole proprietor or as a household employer, do not apply for a new EIN. Use the EIN previously provided. If you can not locate your EIN for any reason, follow the instructions on the Lost or Misplaced Your EIN? Web page at the IRS website. How to Apply for an EIN Apply Online Website : [http://www.irs.gov/](http://www.irs.gov/) Under Tools section on website Find and Select: Apply for an EIN 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. The online application process 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. The principal officer, general partner, grantor, owner, trustor etc. must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (Social Security Number, Employer Identification Number, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) in order to use the online application. No need to file a Form SS-4. We ask you the questions and you give us the answers. After all validations are done you will get your EIN immediately upon completion. You can then download, save, and print your EIN confirmation notice. Apply By EIN Toll-Free Telephone Service Taxpayers can obtain an EIN immediately 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. An assistor takes the information, assigns the EIN, and provides the number to an authorized individual over the telephone. Note: International applicants must call (267) 941-1099 (Not a toll-free number) . Use Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number) to apply for an employer identification number (EIN) . You may want to view and complete prior to going online so you have the information readily available To view this form: [http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf](http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf). Download the instructions at: [http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iss4.pdf](http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iss4.pdf.)[.](http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/iss4.pdf.) . Important: If you receive an EIN using our EIN Assistant (online) , do not complete a Form SS-4 for the same organization. You do not need to mail in this form if you completed it online Sole Proprietor/Individual Line 1 Enter your first name, middle initial and last name exactly as it appears on your social security card. Do not use abbreviations or nicknames. Do not enter your business name on line 1. Line 2 Enter your trade name or “doing business as” name, if any. Line 3 If you have a person designated to receive all of your IRS correspondence, enter that person’s name on this line. Otherwise, leave blank. Line 4a-b Enter your mailing address. If Line 3 (Care-Of) is completed, enter the address for the designated person. Lines 5a-b Enter the location ad

FAQs

What is an EIN used for?

An EIN is issued for tax administration and is a permanent number used for many business needs, including opening a bank account, applying for business licenses, and filing a tax return.

How long does it take for an EIN to appear in IRS permanent records?

No matter how you apply, it can take up to two weeks before the EIN becomes part of the IRS' permanent records.

What should you do if you lost or misplaced your EIN?

If an EIN was previously assigned to you (for example, as a sole proprietor or household employer), do not apply for a new EIN. Follow the IRS instructions for a lost or misplaced EIN.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Sarah