4 Ways Easy to Apply For an EIN Number 2022
Your Employer
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Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to business entities operating in the United States. It is your permanent identification number and can be used for most of your business needs, including:
- Opening bank accounts
- Applying for business licenses
- Getting a business loan
- Recruiting staff
- Build a business reputation
- Tax returns
- Formation of LLCs and corporations
Once an EIN is issued by the IRS, it is permanent and does not expire. It lasts the life of the business until the ownership or structure changes, or other special circumstances. Getting an EIN is easy and free. Here are 4 ways to get one.
Whichever application
choose to get your EIN
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Whichever application method you choose to get your EIN, here’s what the EIN form will ask for:
Domain and Hosting
The legal name of the entity (or individual) for which the EIN is being applied for
The business name of the business
Executor, manager, trustee, name of “care”.
Mailing address
Street address (if different)
The county and state where the principal business is located
If you need domain and hosting register here
Name of responsible person
SSN, ITIN, or EIN
Business type
The reason for the request
Date the business was started or acquired
Closing month of the accounting year
Maximum number of employees expected in the next 12 months
Salary or bonus on the first date paid
The most important function of your business
Main line of goods sold, specific construction work performed, goods manufactured, or services rendered
Whether you have ever applied for and received an EIN or not
What is an EIN?
EIN vs. FEIN: Federal Employer Identification Number
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EIN vs. FEIN: Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) is another name for EIN.
EIN vs. SSN: A Social Security Number (SSN) is a tax identification number, while an EIN is a business tax identification number.
EIN vs. Tax Identification Number: The number assigned by the IRS for tax purposes is a Tax Identification Number, and an EIN is a type of Tax Identification Number, especially for businesses.
EIN vs. ITIN: The Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) serves as the Social Security Number for non-US residents and resident aliens. An ITIN is also used for spouses and dependents who are unable to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). Generally, it is for an individual, while an EIN is for a business.
EIN vs. DUNS: The Data Universal Number System (DUNS) is a nine-digit number developed by Dun & Bradstreet. A DUNS number helps businesses create and identify their credit reports. EIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS for business tax reporting.
Now that those details are covered, it’s time to go through the EIN application.
How to Apply for an EIN Number
Your principal place of business is located in the United States
1. Apply For EIN
Applying online is the best and fastest way to get your EIN. You may be eligible to apply for an EIN online if you meet the following criteria:
Your principal place of business is located in the United States or in the United States.
A person applying online must have either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
There is a limit of one EIN per responsible person per day.
You can apply for an SS-4 online and receive an EIN as soon as it is completed.
Beware of Fake EIN Application Websites
When you search for how to “apply for an EIN,” you will find many websites that look like the IRS. If a website asks you to deposit money, don’t waste your time or money. Applying for an EIN is a free service. Be wary of scam websites and companies.
The only reason you would have to pay is if you hire someone to get the EIN for you. While you can certainly hire someone to get your EIN, you can also apply for an EIN yourself.
Complete an Online Application
Below, you’ll find the fields you’ll need to complete an online EIN application.
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Identify the type of legal structure you are applying for, which would be a “Limited Liability Company” for example. The next page will explain what an LLC is and what an LLC is not.
The next section will ask for information about the members of the LLC. Enter the total number of LLC members You can choose between one and multiple LLC members. You will then select the state where your LLC is formed.
Tip: It is recommended that you speak with an accountant about the best tax structure for your LLC as there will be questions about this.
You will then need to choose why you are applying for an EIN.
Verify Contact Person
Specify the Physical Address
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After you select the reason you are applying for an EIN, you will be asked to confirm the group responsible for the EIN. The entity responsible for the EIN is the “related person” LLC of the IRS. The IRS will send mail and letters to this person, either providing information to the LLC or requesting information from the LLC.
Specify the Physical Address
You will need to know where the LLC is physically located. The IRS will use this address to send any mail or correspondence to your LLC. PO Box addresses are not allowed, but you can use a PO Box with a business street address.
You can also use the address of your registered agent, real estate agent, attorney, or even a CPA. Just make sure to check that they will approve first before you do it.
Describe your LLC
You will need to fill in the name of your LLC – do not use periods, pauses, or special characters. You will also need to list the county and state/territory where the LLC is physically located.
Other information about your LLC will include the start date. You can find the date in your LLC’s Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation.
You will be asked additional questions about your LLC.
EIN verification
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Does your business own a highway vehicle with a taxable weight of 55,000 pounds or more?
Does your business involve gambling/wagering?
Does your business need to file Form 720 (Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return)?
Does your business sell or manufacture alcohol, tobacco, or firearms?
Do you have, or expect to have, employees who will be receiving W-2 forms in the next 12 months? (W-2 forms require additional filing with the IRS.)
You will then describe what your business will do from the list of options provided. If your business purpose does not fall under the options, you can select “other” and further define it.
EIN verification
You are at the final stage of verification. It is recommended that you select “Get Letter Online” because this is the fastest way to get your EIN Verification Letter.
You will see a message confirming that an EIN has been assigned to your LLC. Be sure to download and print a PDF copy of the EIN Verification Letter. The IRS will also send you a copy, which should arrive within 4-5 weeks.
Apply for an EIN by mail
complete the SS-4 application
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Print and complete the SS-4 application form. You can see the instructions for filling out the SS-4 form. Mail your completed SS-4 form to the appropriate IRS office.
Depending on the state in which you formed your LLC, this will be a stamped/approved Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation, or Certificate of Incorporation.
You will receive your EIN in the mail within 4-8 weeks, or possibly longer, depending on how busy the state is. You should apply for an EIN as soon as possible before you actually need to rent or open a bank account.
Apply for an EIN by phone
IRS at (800) 829-4933
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If you have any questions while going through the online EIN application, you can call the IRS at (800) 829-4933.
Haddii aad wax su’aalo ah qabtid markaad dhex marayso arjiga EIN ee khadka tooska ah, waxaad ka wici kartaa IRS (800) 829-4933.
If you are incorporated outside the US or US territories, you cannot apply for an EIN online. For international applicants, please call (267) 941-1099 Monday through Friday between the hours of 6:00 am and 11:00 pm Eastern Time.
Apply for an EIN by Fax
Fax the completed SS-4 application
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Fax the completed SS-4 application form to your state’s fax number. You don’t need a cover sheet for your fax. You can only fax page 1 of the SS-4 IRS form.
If you include your fax number, you will receive the EIN by fax within 4-7 business days. For international applicants, you can send your completed SS-4 application to (215) 516-1040. The fax method of applying for an EIN is faster than the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN before or after I form my LLC?
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Q: Do I need an EIN before or after I form my LLC? In most states, you will need to obtain an EIN before forming your LLC because the IRS will need your business name and date of formation.
Q: Do I need an EIN for my DBA? No, you don’t. DBA is only for the business name.
Q: How do I change my business address? Your EIN information must be up-to-date at all times, and this includes your business address. To change your mailing address or business address, file Form 8822-B, Change of Address – Business. Then, send the completed form to the IRS.
Q: How can I check my EIN? If you have lost or forgotten your EIN, check your previous tax return, or you can call the IRS Business and Personal Tax Line at (800)-829-4933.
Q: Can I cancel my EIN? You cannot cancel your EIN because it is assigned to your business as long as it exists and will never be assigned to another business. Alternatively, you can link your business account to the IRS. To do this, send the IRS a letter that includes the following:
The full official name of the organization
EIN
Business address
The reason you want to close your account
If you have a copy of the EIN Assignment Notice that was issued when your EIN was assigned, include that as well.
There are 4 main ways to get an EIN for your LLC. If your principal place of business is in the United States or a US Territory and you have an individual applicant with an SSN, then the fastest and best way is to apply for an EIN online.
For international companies, you won’t be able to apply online so it will take more time to get an EIN. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply for one as soon as possible so that you have enough time to receive an EIN.
Whatever you choose, just remember that applying for an EIN is easy and free.