The EIN identifies your company and is used on all federal income tax filings
EIN identifies your business
A Federal Tax ID Number or Employer Identification Number (EIN), is basically a Social Security Number for a business. The IRS uses it to identify a business, and it must be included on all your business tax filings. Also, banks typically require an EIN in order to open a business bank account. Other companies that you do business with may also require that your business provide an EIN number in order to pay any of your invoices.If you currently operate your business as a sole-proprietorship or general partnership and want to incorporate or form an LLC, you must obtain a new Federal Tax ID Number (EIN) for your business.
How it works
- BizFilings obtains your Federal Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS on behalf of your business. This service is included in our Complete Incorporation Service or can be added to the Basic and Standard Incorporation Services. It can also be purchased as a stand-alone service.
- Turn-around. The typical turn-around time for this service is 2-3 days after we receive approval of your incorporation filing from the state.
- Available online. Once BizFilings receives the Federal Tax ID Number (EIN) from the IRS, your EIN will be made available within our Online Status Center and emailed to you.
Please note the IRS may require additional information which may lengthen the time to obtain your EIN. We will contact you with next steps if this happens.
Federal Tax ID FAQs
Have questions? We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions on Federal Tax IDs for businesses:
What is a Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number?
A Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number, also known as an Employer Identification Number or EIN, is basically a Social Security Number (SSN) for businesses. It is the number the IRS uses to identify the business, and it must be included on all federal tax filings the business makes. Also, banks generally require an EIN to open a business bank account.
Can I reuse the Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number from my sole proprietorship?
If you operate your business as a sole proprietorship or general partnership, your Social Security Number is typically used as the Federal Tax ID Number for your business. When you incorporate or form a limited liability company (LLC), you must obtain a new EIN for your business.
How do I apply for a Federal Tax ID (EIN) Number?
Businesses apply for an EIN by preparing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form SS-4 and filing it with the IRS. BizFilings can assist with the obtainment of your company's EIN number from the IRS on your behalf. Simply fill our our federal-tax-id-ein-obtainment online order form.
Do I need to file any paperwork with my state?
Some states also require a State Tax Identification Number. BizFilings can help obtain a State Tax ID Number in states that require one for all business entities. State Tax ID Number form preparation is included in our incorporation-options in these states, and can be added to the Basic and Standard Incorporation Services. To learn if your state requires a separate number, visit our state guides.
How do I obtain an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)?
If you do not have a Social Security Number, you must have an ITIN in order to apply for an EIN. To obtain an ITIN from the IRS, complete and mail IRS Form W-7. You can get started by printing Form W-7 and the associated instruction sheet.
Key benefits
Obtaining an EIN is one of the first steps most business owners take after incorporation, since an EIN is typically required to open a business bank account, and is also required on federal tax filings.
Steps to take after incorporation
Keep in mind
Some states also require companies to have a state tax identification number in addition to the EIN. With our Deluxe Incorporation Service, BizFilings provides you with the appropriate state form to complete in states that have this requirement.
Federal Tax ID (EIN) obtainment ordering details
The following requirements apply for ordering an EIN:
- To get the Federal Tax ID Number (EIN) for your business, you must provide your SSN or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
- BizFilings does not assist with form preparation or the obtainment of the ITIN, but you can download Form W-7 to complete and provide to the IRS.
- The individual applying for the Federal Tax ID Number (EIN) is also required to provide a physical US address-P.O. Boxes are not acceptable.