Starting Your Business

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)/Form SS-4

EINs are used to identify the tax accounts of employers, certain sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts, and other entities.

If you don't already have an EIN, you need to get one if you:

1. Have employees
2. Have a qualified retirement (Keogh) plan
3. Operate your business as a corporation or partnership, or
4. File any of these tax returns:

A. Employment
B. Excise
C. Alcohol, tobacco, and firearms

Applying for an EIN.    You may apply for an EIN:

• Online - Go to the Online Application. The EIN is issued immediately once the application information is validated.
• By telephone at 1-800-829-4933 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the applicant's local time zone.
• By mailing or faxing Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number.

Important References:

Form SS-4               Application for Employer Identification Number
Instructions for Form SS-4
Form SS-4 (Spanish)
Instructions for Form SS-4 (Spanish)
Publication 583       Starting a Business and Keeping Records
Publication 1635     Understanding Your EIN