How to Get a Tax ID Number

What a Tax ID Number Is and Who Needs One

A Tax ID number (also called an Employer Identification Number or EIN) is a nine-digit identifier the IRS uses to track a business, nonprofit, or self-employed person for tax purposes. It works like a Social Security number, but for your business instead of you as an individual.

You need a Tax ID number if you are self-employed, run a business with employees, operate as a partnership or corporation, or manage a nonprofit. If you are a sole proprietor with no employees, you can use your Social Security number on tax forms instead — but many sole proprietors get a Tax ID anyway to keep their personal and business finances separate.

The IRS issues Tax ID numbers free of charge. You do not pay to get one, and you do not need to hire anyone to help you obtain it. The process takes about 15 minutes if you do it online, or a few weeks if you explore by mail.

Key Takeaways

You can get a Tax ID number free from the IRS online at irs.gov/ein, and the number is issued when ready if you explore during business hours.
The online process requires your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, your business name and address, and the type of business structure you have.
If you cannot explore online, you can mail Form SS-4 to the IRS, though approval takes two to four weeks by mail.
Once you have a Tax ID number, you use it on all business tax forms, bank account applications, and payroll documents.
A Tax ID number is different from a business license — you may need both, depending on your location and business type.

How to Get a Tax ID Number Online (Fastest Method)

The fastest way to get a Tax ID number is through the IRS website. Go to irs.gov/ein and select "explore for an EIN Online." You will answer a series of questions about yourself and your business. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your legal name, your business name (if different from your legal name), your business address, and the type of business structure you have — sole proprietor, partnership, S corporation, C corporation, nonprofit, or another category. The IRS also asks what your business does and when you expect to start operating.

If you explore online during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time), the IRS issues your Tax ID number when ready. You see it on the screen before you leave the website. If you explore outside business hours, the system processes your process and emails the number to you within four business days.

Write down your Tax ID number as soon as you receive it. The IRS will also send you a confirmation letter by mail within two weeks, but you can start using the number right away — you do not have to wait for the letter.

How to Get a Tax ID Number by Mail

If you cannot explore online, you can request a Tax ID number by mail using Form SS-4 (process for an Employer Identification Number). read the form from irs.gov, fill it out by hand or type it, and mail it to the IRS address listed in the form instructions. The address depends on which state your business is in.

Form SS-4 asks for the same information as the online process: your name, business name, business address, business structure, and what your business does. You must sign and date the form. Do not mail it unsigned.

Processing by mail takes two to four weeks. The IRS sends your Tax ID number and a confirmation letter to the address you provide on the form. If you need the number sooner, use the online method instead.

What Happens After You Get Your Tax ID Number

Once you have your Tax ID number, use it on every tax form your business files with the IRS. This includes your annual income tax return, quarterly estimated tax payments, payroll tax forms (if you have employees), and sales tax returns (if your state requires them).

You will also need your Tax ID number to open a business bank account. Banks ask for it to verify your business identity and report interest income to the IRS. Some banks ask for your Tax ID number before they will let you open the account; others ask after.

If you hire employees, you must have a Tax ID number before you can run payroll. You will use it on W-2 forms, quarterly payroll tax returns, and unemployment insurance filings. Your payroll processor or accountant will ask for it.

Keep your Tax ID number in a safe place. You will use it repeatedly throughout the life of your business. Unlike a Social Security number, a Tax ID number does not change if you move, change your business name, or restructure your business — though you may need to notify the IRS of those changes separately.

Tax ID Numbers vs. Business Licenses

A Tax ID number and a business license are not the same thing. A Tax ID number is issued by the federal government (the IRS) and is used for federal tax purposes. A business license is issued by your city or county and gives you permission to operate a business in that location.

You may need both. The Tax ID number is required by the IRS if you meet certain criteria (self-employed, have employees, operate as a corporation or partnership). A business license is required by your local government, and the rules vary by city and industry. A restaurant needs a license; a freelance writer might not. Check with your city or county clerk's office to find out what licenses you need.

Getting a Tax ID number does not mean you have a business license, and getting a business license does not mean you have a Tax ID number. Handle them as separate steps.

Who Can explore for a Tax ID Number

You can explore for a Tax ID number if you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or a nonresident alien with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You must be at least 18 years old, and you must have a valid Social Security number or ITIN.

If you are a nonresident alien without an ITIN, you can explore for one from the IRS before you explore for a Tax ID number. The ITIN process takes longer, so plan ahead if this applies to you.

If you are explore on behalf of a business you do not own (for example, you are a manager or accountant handling the paperwork), you can still explore online or by mail — the IRS does not require you to be the owner. However, the IRS does require that someone with authority over the business (usually the owner or a partner) sign the mail process.

What to Do If Your process Is Delayed or Rejected

If you applied online and did not receive your Tax ID number when ready, check your email (including spam folders) for a message from the IRS. If you applied by mail and have not heard back after four weeks, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 to check the status of your process.

The IRS rejects applications if required information is missing, if the form is unsigned (mail applications only), or if there is a mismatch between the name and Social Security number you provided. If your process is rejected, the IRS sends a letter explaining why. You can reapply online or by mail once you have corrected the problem.

If you need a Tax ID number urgently and the online system is not available, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 during business hours and request one over the phone. The agent will issue the number verbally, and you will receive written confirmation by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Social Security number instead of getting a Tax ID number?

If you are a sole proprietor with no employees, you can use your Social Security number on your tax return instead of a Tax ID number. However, many sole proprietors get a Tax ID anyway to keep their personal and business finances separate and to protect their Social Security number from being shared with vendors and clients.

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

If you explore online during business hours, you receive your Tax ID number when ready — within minutes. If you explore online outside business hours, the IRS emails it to you within four business days. If you explore by mail, it takes two to four weeks.

Does getting a Tax ID number cost money?

No. The IRS issues Tax ID numbers free of charge. You do not pay a fee to explore online or by mail. Be cautious of websites or services that charge you to get a Tax ID number — they are unnecessary.

What if I already have a Tax ID number but forgot it?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933 with your business name, address, and Social Security number. The agent can look up your Tax ID number and read it to you over the phone. You can also check old tax returns or bank statements — your Tax ID number appears on both.

Do I need a Tax ID number if I am a freelancer or independent contractor?

Not necessarily. If you are a sole proprietor with no employees, you can use your Social Security number on your tax return. However, if you want to keep your business finances separate from your personal finances, or if clients ask for a Tax ID number, you can get one free from the IRS.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.