How to Get a Tax ID Number

What a Tax ID Is and Who Needs One

A Tax ID (also called an Employer Identification Number or EIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify your business, nonprofit, or self-employment income for tax purposes. You need one if you operate any kind of business structure — sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, LLC — or if you hire employees. The IRS issues them free of charge.

If you are self-employed as a freelancer or contractor, you may be able to use your Social Security Number instead of a Tax ID on some tax forms, but many banks, vendors, and clients will ask for a Tax ID specifically. Getting one takes minutes and costs nothing.

You cannot get a Tax ID without a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have one of those yet, you will need to obtain it first through the Social Security Administration or the IRS.

Key Takeaways

You can get a Tax ID online through the IRS website in minutes, by phone, by mail, or in person at an IRS office.
The online method (Form SS-4 at irs.gov) is the fastest and gives you your number immediately after you submit.
By phone, you call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line and receive your number the same day, but you must call during business hours.
By mail or in person, the process takes one to two weeks, and you need to complete Form SS-4 and mail it or deliver it yourself.
You will need your Social Security Number, business structure type, and the date you started or plan to start your business.

Getting a Tax ID Online (Fastest Method)

The online method through the IRS website is the fastest way to get a Tax ID. Go to irs.gov, search for "Apply for an EIN online," and you will land on the IRS's online EIN application tool. The form is Form SS-4, and you fill it out directly on the IRS website.

You will answer questions about your business name, business structure (sole proprietor, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership, nonprofit, etc.), the reason you need the Tax ID, and when your business started or will start. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. When you submit, the IRS issues your Tax ID number on screen immediately. You can print or save the confirmation page, which includes your new number.

This method works only if you have a valid Social Security Number or ITIN and a U.S. mailing address. You must apply between 7 a.m. and midnight Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays).

Getting a Tax ID by Phone

You can also call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 to request a Tax ID over the phone. Have your Social Security Number, business structure type, and business start date ready before you call. The IRS representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and issue your number during the call.

Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time (excluding federal holidays). You will receive your Tax ID the same day you call. After the call, the IRS will mail you a formal confirmation letter within two weeks, but you can use the number immediately.

Wait times can be long during tax season (January through April), so call early in the morning or later in the afternoon if possible.

Getting a Tax ID by Mail or In Person

If you prefer to apply by mail, download Form SS-4 from irs.gov, fill it out by hand or type it, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form (the address depends on your state). Processing takes one to two weeks. You will receive your Tax ID by mail.

You can also deliver Form SS-4 in person to your local IRS office. Find the nearest office at irs.gov under "Contact Us." Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security Number. Processing is faster in person — usually the same day or within a few days — and you may receive your number before you leave.

The in-person method works best if you live near an IRS office and want to avoid mail delays. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and ask about wait times.

What Information You Need to Provide

Regardless of which method you choose, you will need to provide the same core information. Have these items ready before you start:

Your Social Security Number or ITIN
Your legal name (or the business name if it is different from your personal name)
Your business structure type (sole proprietor, LLC, S-corp, C-corp, partnership, nonprofit, trust, etc.)
The date you started your business or plan to start it
Your mailing address
A description of what your business does
Whether you have employees or plan to hire them

If your business has a different legal name than your personal name, you may need to file a Doing Business As (DBA) certificate with your state or county first, depending on where you operate. Check your state's Secretary of State website to see if this is required in your area.

After You Receive Your Tax ID

Once you have your Tax ID, keep the confirmation letter or printout in a safe place. You will need to provide this number to your bank when you open a business account, to clients or customers who request it, and to the IRS when you file your annual tax return.

If you hired employees, you must use your Tax ID on all payroll tax forms and reports. If you are self-employed with no employees, you can use your Tax ID or your Social Security Number on your tax return, though some forms require the Tax ID specifically.

The Tax ID does not expire and does not need to be renewed. You keep the same number for the life of your business, even if you move, change your business structure, or change your business name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Tax ID if I do not have a Social Security Number?

No. You must have either a valid Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to get a Tax ID. If you do not have either, contact the Social Security Administration or the IRS to obtain an ITIN first.

How long does it take to get a Tax ID?

Online or by phone, you receive your number the same day. By mail, processing takes one to two weeks. In person at an IRS office, you usually get your number the same day or within a few days.

Do I need a Tax ID if I am a sole proprietor with no employees?

No, but it is often useful. You can use your Social Security Number on your tax return instead. However, banks, vendors, and clients often request a Tax ID, so getting one makes it easier to separate your business finances from your personal finances.

What if I already have a Tax ID but forgot the number?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 with your Social Security Number and business name. They can look up your existing number. Do not apply for a new one — you will create a duplicate, which can cause problems with the IRS.

Can I change my Tax ID if I change my business structure?

In most cases, yes. If you convert from a sole proprietorship to an LLC or corporation, you will need a new Tax ID. File a new Form SS-4 through any of the methods above. The IRS will issue a new number for your new business structure.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.