Where to Request Your Federal Tax ID

The IRS issues Federal Tax ID Numbers (also called Employer Identification Numbers or EINs) through the IRS website, by mail, or by phone. The fastest route is online at irs.gov/ein, where you can receive your number immediately after completing Form SS-4. If you cannot go online, you can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. your local time) or mail a completed Form SS-4 to the IRS address for your state.

You do not need to visit an IRS office in person. The online system is open 24 hours a day, and the phone line handles requests during business hours. If you mail the form, processing typically takes four weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply online at irs.gov/ein to receive your Federal Tax ID number the same day you submit Form SS-4.
  • You will need your Social Security Number, business structure type (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, nonprofit), and the date your business started or will start.
  • If you cannot apply online, call 1-800-829-4933 during business hours or mail Form SS-4 to the IRS, which takes about four weeks.
  • You do not need a Federal Tax ID if you are a sole proprietor with no employees and no business structure separate from yourself.

What Information You Need Before You Apply

Gather these documents and details before you start: your Social Security Number, the legal name of your business, your business address, the type of business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, S corporation, C corporation, nonprofit, trust, or other), and the date your business started or will start operating. If someone else will be responsible for the business (a responsible party), you will also need their name and Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

The form takes about 10 minutes to complete. If you are applying by phone, have this information ready when you call, and the representative will ask you the questions from Form SS-4 directly.

Applying Online Through the IRS Website

Go to irs.gov/ein and select "Apply for an EIN Online." You will answer questions about your business name, structure, location, and reason for needing the number. The system will ask whether you have a prior EIN, what your business does, how many employees you expect, and who the responsible party is. Answer each question as it appears on the screen.

Once you submit, the IRS system generates your Federal Tax ID number immediately. Write it down or print the confirmation page — you will need this number for bank accounts, tax filings, and payroll. The IRS will also email a confirmation to the address you provide, though this can take a few hours.

Applying by Phone or Mail

To apply by phone, call 1-800-829-4933 and tell the representative you need to apply for an EIN. They will walk you through Form SS-4 over the phone and issue your number at the end of the call. Write down the number they give you and ask them to mail a confirmation letter, which arrives within two weeks.

To apply by mail, download Form SS-4 from irs.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it to the IRS service center for your state. The IRS website lists the correct mailing address by state. Processing takes about four weeks. Once approved, the IRS mails your Federal Tax ID number and a confirmation letter to the address you provided on the form.

When You Need a Federal Tax ID Number

You need a Federal Tax ID if your business is structured as a partnership, corporation, nonprofit, LLC, trust, or estate. You also need one if you are a sole proprietor who hires employees, operates a business that requires a license, or opens a business bank account. Some banks will not open a business account without an EIN, even for sole proprietors.

You do not need a Federal Tax ID if you are a sole proprietor with no employees and you operate under your own name. In that case, you use your Social Security Number for tax purposes. However, many sole proprietors obtain an EIN anyway to keep their personal and business finances separate.

What Happens After You Receive Your Number

Once you have your Federal Tax ID, use it on all business tax forms, payroll documents, and bank account applications. The IRS will send you a confirmation letter in the mail within two weeks (if you applied online or by phone) or four weeks (if you applied by mail). Keep this letter in your records — you may need to show it to banks, vendors, or government agencies.

Your Federal 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 name, or restructure your business. If your business closes, you do not need to notify the IRS or cancel the number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Federal Tax ID number?

Online applications receive a number immediately after you submit Form SS-4. Phone applications receive the number during the call. Mail applications take about four weeks. The IRS then mails a confirmation letter, which arrives within two weeks of approval.

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

Only if you are a sole proprietor with no employees and no separate business structure. If you hire anyone or operate as a partnership, corporation, or nonprofit, you must use a Federal Tax ID. Many sole proprietors obtain an EIN anyway to keep personal and business finances separate.

What if I lose my Federal Tax ID number?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 and provide your business name and address. The representative will look up your number and read it to you. You can also check your bank statements, prior tax returns, or the confirmation letter the IRS mailed you when you first received the number.

Do I need a Federal Tax ID if I am starting a nonprofit?

Yes. All nonprofits, including charitable organizations and foundations, must obtain a Federal Tax ID before they can open a bank account or file for tax-exempt status with the IRS. Apply online at irs.gov/ein using the nonprofit option on Form SS-4.

Can someone else apply for a Federal Tax ID on behalf of my business?

Yes. A representative, accountant, or attorney can apply online or by phone on your behalf if they have your business information and Social Security Number. They cannot apply by mail unless they have a power of attorney document signed by you.