An Employer Identification Number (EIN), is a unique nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify your business. All business EINs are public information. We show you how to do an EIN Lookup for your own business or other businesses.
Last Updated: October 8, 2022 by the TRUiC Team What is an EIN Number?An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN), is like a Social Security number (SSN) for your business. The unique nine-digit EIN number allows the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify businesses for tax reporting. Business owners will usually need an EIN when they:
When Does Your Business Need an EIN Number?
If any of the following statements are true, you'll need to get an EIN:
When Does a Sole Proprietorship Need an EIN Number?Starting a Business? Learn about EINs and more on our free state-by-state How to Start a Business guides. Start a Business How to Do an EIN Lookup OnlineYou can locate a lost or misplaced EIN by the following
If you are trying to find the EIN of business other than yours there are a few options.
Paid Method of Finding an EIN For a Business Try purchasing a business credit report from any of the major credit agencies. Are You Forming an LLC? We will lead you through the simple steps for forming an LLC in our free guides—from naming your business to getting an EIN. Form an LLC Get a Free EINThe quickest and simplest way to get a free EIN is to apply for one through the EIN Assistant on the IRS website. You must form your business before getting an EIN. The IRS will ask for your business formation date and legal business name. You can also apply for an EIN by fax or mail by completing Form SS-4. If you are submitting by fax, send your EIN application to fax number (855) 641-6935. If applying by mail, submit to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999. Frequently Asked Questions: EIN Number LookupDo I need an EIN if I’m self-employed?You don’t need an EIN if you’re self-employed; you can simply use your Social Security number. Some people who are self-employed choose to apply for an EIN instead of using their Social Security number to reduce the risk of identity theft; it’s less likely for someone to break into your accounts when you keep business finances and personal finances separate. I have a sole proprietorship with a DBA (doing business as or fictitious name). Do I Need an EIN?Having a DBA doesn’t impact whether or not you are required to have an EIN for your sole proprietorship. The same rules apply to a sole proprietorship with a DBA as apply to a sole proprietorship without a DBA. Per the IRS, “A sole proprietor without employees and who doesn’t file any excise or pension plan tax returns doesn’t need an EIN.” Once you hire employees or file excise or pension plan tax returns, you will immediately require an EIN. Is there a difference between an EIN and a TIN?No, there isn't a difference between an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). Both refer to the nine-digit number issued by the IRS to identify your business. Is there a difference between an EIN and a FEIN?No, there is not a difference between an EIN and a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). A FEIN can also be referred to as a Federal Tax Identification Number. Resources for Starting a BusinessFEATURED ARTICLES
Does a Single-Member LLC Need an EIN?
How to Get an EIN as a Foreign Person
DBA vs LLC
Sole Proprietor EIN
What is an EIN?
LLC Tax Guide
The Benefits of an LLC
Cost to Form an LLC
How Do I Pay Myself from my LLC?
LLC vs S Corp
Choosing a Business Structure
LLC vs Sole Proprietorship
LLC vs Corporation
What is a Corporation?
What is a Limited Liability Company?
Do I Need An EIN For My LLC?
LLC Meaning
Business Taxes: LLC vs Sole Proprietorship
How to Start an S Corp
Should I Start an LLC for my Small BusinessIs Ein the same as tax ID?An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a federal tax identification number, and is used to identify a business entity. It is also used by estates and trusts which have income which is required to be reported on Form 1041, U.S. Income Tax Return for Estates and Trusts.
Is Ein the same as business number?If you operate a business the IRS may require you to obtain an Employee Identification Number (EIN), which is also referred to as your business tax ID number. Each EIN is unique in the same way that your Social Security number is.
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