Start Your Application By Selecting An Entity Type
An EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. It’s a nine-digit unique identifier assigned by the IRS to businesses for legal and tax purposes. An EIN helps the IRS track your business's financial activities and ensures proper tax compliance.
This number is crucial for various business activities, from opening a business bank account and filing federal tax returns to hiring employees. Without an EIN, your business might face hurdles in its day-to-day operations.
Ready to start your EIN application process? Follow our detailed step-by-step guide to ensure a successful submission.
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Most types of business entities, excluding sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs without employees, must get an EIN.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of who needs one.
If you have or are planning to hire employees for your business, you'll need an EIN to report payroll taxes and comply with IRS regulations. This applies to all types of business structures, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and Limited Liability Companies.
As separate legal entities from their owners, both C-corporations and S-corporations require an EIN. This number is necessary to maintain legal separation between the business and its owners, file corporate tax returns, manage payroll taxes, and fulfill federal reporting requirements.
Any business structure involving two or more individuals or entities as partners needs to file an EIN. A partnership is recognized as a separate business entity from its individual partners and is required to file tax returns and report income under an employer identification number.
Even without employees, if you’re forming a multi-member LLC, you will need to apply for an EIN. A multi-member LLC is treated as a partnership by the IRS unless it elects corporate taxation. This means it must obtain an EIN for financial, tax, and legal compliance purposes.
When someone passes away, their estate or trust may require an EIN. If you're managing an estate or a trust, you'll need an EIN for tax and administrative purposes, such as reporting taxes on estate income, distributing assets, and managing financial accounts.
Even tax-exempt nonprofits require an employer identification number to maintain financial transparency. Nonprofit organizations, including charities, churches, and other organizations must obtain a nonprofit EIN to file tax-exempt status applications, report donations, and file tax returns.
Most sole proprietors can use their SSNs for tax purposes. However, if you have employees, file excise taxes, or want to set up a retirement plan, you’ll need to complete an EIN application. If you plan to open a business bank account, you may also need to get an EIN.
You need a new federal tax ID number when legal and tax responsibilities change. If your business structure changes, such as transitioning from a sole proprietorship to an LLC, partnership, or corporation, you will need a new EIN. This allows for proper registration under the new structure.
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Start Your EIN Application NowWhether you form a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or nonprofit organization, completing your EIN application offers several advantages. Let’s discuss some.
The IRS requires businesses, especially partnerships, Limited Liability Companies, S-corporations, and C-corporations, to file tax returns.
Having an EIN allows you to file and report federal and state taxes easily, claim tax deductions, and remain in good standing with the IRS.
If you need to hire employees for your business, submitting an EIN application is a legal requirement you must uphold to stay compliant.
You’ll need an EIN to register for state employment taxes, report employee wages, withhold taxes, and contribute to Social Security and Medicare.
Applying for an EIN helps safeguard your personal identity by minimizing the need to use your Social Security Number (SSN) in business transactions.
When signing contracts, invoices, or tax forms, using your company’s EIN instead of your SSN keeps your details out of public records.
An EIN positions your business as credible and professional, making it more attractive to clients, partners, and financial institutions.
Most clients, banks, and government agencies will even require you to have an EIN before they can conduct business with your organization.
Most banks will not allow you to open a business checking or savings account without an EIN, which can compromise business operations.
Completing your EIN application allows you to get a business bank account and increases the chances of securing loans and establishing a strong credit history.
As your business grows, having an EIN becomes even more beneficial for expanding operations and adapting to new business needs.
If you plan to expand your business to other states, you’ll need an EIN to register with those states' tax agencies and comply with regulations.
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Whether you’re starting a consulting business, freelance LLC, or nonprofit organization, GovDocFiling will help you get an EIN.
Start Your EIN Application NowWondering what’s the difference between an EIN and a Tax ID? Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand these terms.
| Feature | EIN | Tax ID |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A unique nine-digit number issued by the IRS for businesses to identify them for tax and regulatory purposes. | A broad term for a taxpayer ID number for businesses or individuals. This includes SSN, EIN, ITIN, ATIN, and PTIN. |
| Purpose | Used by businesses for tax filing, hiring employees, opening business bank accounts, and applying for licenses. | Used by individuals, businesses, and other entities to fulfill IRS tax obligations and remain compliant. |
| Who It’s For | Businesses (LLCs, S-corps, C-corps, partnerships, sole proprietors), nonprofits, trusts, and estates. | Any taxpayer, a business or an individual, who needs an IRS-issued identification number for tax reporting. |
| Types Included | An EIN is a specific type of Tax ID that businesses, organizations, trusts, and estates need for tax reporting purposes. | Includes several types of unique identification numbers used for various reasons, including SSN, ITIN, EIN, and ATIN. |
| Issued By | It’s issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You can apply online via application services, by fax, or by mail. | A tax ID is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Social Security Administration (SSA) for SSNs. |
| Renewal Requirements | No EIN renewal is needed. An EIN stays relevant permanently unless you change the business structure. | Must follow stricter formalities (e.g., board meetings, minutes, bylaws). |
If you’re on the right track, it’s time to make your EIN application.
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Making errors during the EIN application process can result in delays, IRS complications, and even legal issues that can affect your business operations. Here are the common EIN application mistakes you should avoid.
Each entity, whether it’s a partnership or an LLC, has different tax implications. Choosing incorrectly can cause tax filing complications.
Before applying, research or outsource business legal services to determine the correct entity type for your business and avoid issues down the line.
Providing incorrect or incomplete business details during your EIN application can lead to processing delays or rejection.
Ensure you double-check your business name spelling and use the exact business address registered with your state or local authorities.
Some business owners mistakenly apply for multiple EINs when they don’t need to. This can cause confusion in existing IRS records.
The IRS requires a new EIN when your business entity changes. Confirm whether your business requires a new EIN before applying.
If you don’t receive your EIN confirmation immediately, you may submit another application, thinking your application is rejected.
This mistake can cause delays, confusion, and duplicate records. Before reapplying, wait for some time or contact the IRS for clarification.
FThe responsible party is the individual or entity that controls your business. Many businesses mistakenly list an accountant, attorney, etc.
Ensure your EIN application includes the correct responsible party, such as the owner, managing member, or highest-ranking officer.
Many scam websites claim to assist with EIN applications but instead steal your personal information, placing your financial security at risk.
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Whether you're starting a personal service corporation, a church-controlled organization, or a partnership, it will help you get your EIN right the first time.
Get Started With Your EIN ApplicationGovDocFiling simplifies the EIN application process with a reliable and secure solution for business owners and individuals.
Below are the key reasons why we recommend this service provider.
Pricing is a crucial factor when choosing a service for your EIN application. GovDocFiling charges a one-time fee, which includes everything you need to get your EIN without hidden costs.
One of the biggest advantages of GovDocFiling is its round-the-clock customer support. Whether you need guidance filling out your form, its customer support team is always available to help.
GovDocFiling provides faster EIN processing compared to applying directly through the IRS. The best part is that this expedited service is included in the service fee, with no additional charges.
Applying for an EIN through the IRS can be stressful due to complex forms. GovDocFiling eliminates this issue with a simple, one-page application form that is easy to understand and fill out.
GovDocFiling has built-in guide boxes that assist you throughout the application process. They provide clear instructions and explanations, ensuring you fully understand what information is required.
Security is a top priority, and GovDocFiling ensures that your EIN application data remains confidential and protected. The service uses advanced encryption technology to safeguard all submitted information.
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Before you can apply for an EIN, you’ll need to choose the right business structure. Select your entity type below to get started with your EIN application.
A sole proprietor is a business owned and operated by one person without a formal legal structure. As a small business owner, individual contractor, or freelancer you’re personally responsible for all debts and liabilities, meaning your business and personal finances are intertwined. An EIN application is needed for hiring employees or separating personal and business finances.
An LLC is a flexible business structure that combines elements of a corporation and a sole proprietorship or partnership. It provides limited liability protection, meaning members are not personally responsible for business debts. LLCs can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. An EIN application is necessary for tax filing, hiring, and opening a bank account.
A trust is a legal arrangement in which a trustee manages assets on behalf of beneficiaries. Trusts are often used for estate planning, asset protection, or charitable purposes. There are different types of trusts, such as revocable and irrevocable trusts, each with unique tax implications. Obtaining an EIN is essential for a trust to file taxes, manage income, and comply with IRS regulations.
An estate is the collection of assets, money, debts, and property left behind by a person who has passed away. When an individual dies, their estate may need an EIN to handle financial matters, such as paying taxes, distributing assets, or managing trusts. As the estate’s executor or administrator, you need to complete an EIN application to facilitate legal and tax obligations.
A nonprofit organization operates for a charitable, religious, educational, or public service purpose rather than a profit motive. Examples include charities, religious groups, and foundations. Nonprofits must apply for tax-exempt status with the IRS, but an EIN application is required first. The EIN allows nonprofits to open bank accounts, apply for grants, and file necessary tax documents.
A partnership is a business structure where two or more individuals or entities share ownership. Partnerships can be general partnerships (GP), where all partners share liability, or limited partnerships (LP), where some partners have limited liability. An EIN application is mandatory for partnerships, as they must file tax returns separately from their owners and may need to hire employees.
A C-Corporation (C-Corp) is a legal business entity separate from its owners. It provides limited liability protection, meaning shareholders are not personally responsible for business debts. C-Corps are subject to double taxation, where the corporation pays taxes on profits, and shareholders pay taxes on dividends. An EIN application is required to file taxes, hire employees, and conduct business legally.
An S-corporation (S-Corp) is a special type of corporation that allows income, deductions, and credits to pass through to shareholders, avoiding double taxation. Unlike a C-Corp, an S-Corp does not pay corporate taxes. Instead, shareholders report income on their personal tax returns. To qualify, an S-Corp must meet specific IRS requirements. An EIN application is needed for tax and payroll purposes.
A Personal Service Corporation (PSC) is a type of C-Corporation primarily engaged in providing services in fields like law, accounting, healthcare, engineering, or consulting. The IRS imposes strict tax rules on PSCs, taxing them at a flat corporate tax rate. If your business qualifies as a PSC, you’ll need to complete an EIN application to file taxes and remain compliant with legal requirements.
A church-controlled organization includes religious groups, charities, and institutions affiliated with churches. These organizations are usually tax-exempt under IRS rules but are still required to complete an EIN application to conduct financial transactions, hire employees, and comply with tax laws. Even if a church itself doesn’t need an EIN, related organizations or ministries often do.
To obtain an EIN, you must complete an EIN application by following these steps:
You need an EIN for various business purposes, such as:
No. While an EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a type of TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number), they are different. TIN is a general term for different types of numbers issued by the IRS for tax purposes. They include:
Yes, you can obtain more than one employer identification number, but only under specific circumstances. Generally, each business entity (LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.) is assigned one EIN.
However, the following cases may be different. You need a new EIN if:
The time frame will depend on your EIN application method. Here are the common application channels and their processing times:
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