Getting a Tax ID Number: What You Need and Where to Get It

What a Tax ID Number Is and Who Needs One

A Tax ID Number (also called an Employer Identification Number or EIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify your business, nonprofit, or other entity for tax purposes. You need one if you operate a business as anything other than a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number, run a nonprofit, have employees, or file certain business tax forms.

If you are a sole proprietor with no employees and no separate business structure, you can use your Social Security Number instead. But if you have incorporated, formed an LLC, started a partnership, or plan to hire anyone, the IRS requires a Tax ID Number before you can legally operate.

The number itself costs nothing. The IRS issues it free, and you do not need to pay a third party to obtain one for you, though some tax preparation services offer to handle the paperwork for a fee.

Key Takeaways

A Tax ID Number is a nine-digit identifier the IRS assigns to businesses, nonprofits, and other entities; sole proprietors without employees can use their Social Security Number instead.
You can get a Tax ID Number online through the IRS website in minutes, by mail, by fax, or by phone, and the process is free.
The online method (Form SS-4 at irs.gov) is the fastest and most direct route; you receive your number immediately upon completion.
You will need your Social Security Number, the business address, the date you started or plan to start, and the type of business structure you have chosen.
Once issued, a Tax ID Number does not expire and remains tied to that business entity for as long as it exists.

Getting a Tax ID Number Online

The fastest way to obtain a Tax ID Number is through the IRS website. Go to irs.gov, search for "Apply for an EIN," and you will find the online application tool. The form is called Form SS-4, and you fill it out directly on the IRS site rather than downloading and mailing a paper copy.

The online process takes about 15 minutes. You answer questions about your business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, S-corporation, nonprofit, etc.), the type of business you run, your address, and when you started or plan to start. At the end, the IRS issues your Tax ID Number on screen. You can print or save the confirmation page immediately.

One requirement: you must have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to apply online. If you do not have one, you will need to use the mail, fax, or phone method instead.

Getting a Tax ID Number by Mail or Fax

If you cannot use the online tool, you can mail or fax a paper Form SS-4 to the IRS. Download the form from irs.gov, fill it out by hand or type it, and send it to the address listed on the form (the address varies by state). You can also fax it to the fax number provided on the form instructions.

By mail, expect to wait two to four weeks for your Tax ID Number to arrive. By fax, the wait is usually one to two weeks. The IRS will send you a letter with your number and a copy of your completed form.

You will need the same information as the online method: your Social Security Number or ITIN, business address, business structure, and start date. If you are applying on behalf of a business you do not own (for example, as a representative of a nonprofit), you will also need to provide the name and Social Security Number of a responsible party.

Getting a Tax ID Number by Phone

You can also call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 to request a Tax ID Number over the phone. Have your Social Security Number, business address, and business structure information ready before you call.

The IRS representative will ask you the same questions as Form SS-4 and issue your number during the call. You will receive a confirmation number and can request that the IRS mail you a formal letter with your Tax ID Number, or you can write down the number the representative gives you and use it immediately.

Wait times to reach the IRS by phone vary, especially during tax season (January through April). Calling early in the morning or later in the week often means shorter holds.

What Information You Need Before You Apply

Gather these items before you start the application, regardless of which method you choose:

Your Social Security Number or ITIN
Your business name (exactly as it will appear on tax forms)
Your business address (street, city, state, ZIP code)
The date you started or plan to start the business
Your business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, S-corporation, C-corporation, LLC, nonprofit, trust, etc.)
The type of business you operate (retail, consulting, manufacturing, etc.)
Whether you have or plan to have employees

If you are applying as a representative of a nonprofit or other organization you do not personally own, you will also need the name and Social Security Number of the person responsible for the organization.

After You Receive Your Tax ID Number

Once the IRS issues your Tax ID Number, it is permanent. It does not expire, and you do not need to renew it. Use it on all business tax forms, bank accounts, payroll documents, and vendor accounts.

Keep your confirmation letter or the number itself in a safe place. You will need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, file taxes, and apply for business licenses or permits. Some lenders and vendors will ask for it when you apply for credit or services.

If you lose the number, you can look it up on the IRS website using your business name and address, or you can call the IRS and request a new confirmation letter. There is no fee to retrieve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Social Security Number instead of getting a Tax ID Number?

Yes, if you are a sole proprietor with no employees and no separate business structure. But if you have incorporated, formed an LLC, hired employees, or operate as a partnership or nonprofit, you must have a Tax ID Number. Using your Social Security Number in those cases is not legal for tax purposes.

How long does it take to get a Tax ID Number?

Online is the fastest: you receive your number immediately. By phone, you get it during the call. By fax, expect one to two weeks. By mail, allow two to four weeks. If you need the number urgently, the online or phone method is your best option.

Do I need a Tax ID Number before I open a business bank account?

Most banks require a Tax ID Number or Social Security Number to open a business account. If you have a separate business structure (LLC, corporation, nonprofit), the bank will ask for the Tax ID Number. Some banks will open an account with an EIN application confirmation while you wait for the formal letter.

What if I made a mistake on my application?

If you made a minor error (like a typo in your address), you can usually ignore it and use the number the IRS issued. If the error is significant (wrong business structure, wrong owner information), contact the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 to request a correction or reapply.

Can someone else apply for a Tax ID Number on my behalf?

Yes. A representative, accountant, attorney, or employee can apply for you using Form SS-4 online, by mail, or by fax. They will need your Social Security Number and authorization to act on your behalf. By phone, the IRS may ask to speak with you directly to confirm the request.

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.