You're ready to take the exciting step of getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for your business or entity! This federal tax ID number, also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN), is crucial for various activities like hiring employees, opening a business bank account, and filing taxes. And the best part? You can submit IRS Form SS-4 online and often receive your EIN immediately.
So, are you ready to dive in and get your business officially recognized by the IRS? Let's go!
The Essential Guide: Submitting IRS Form SS-4 Online
Obtaining an EIN online is generally the fastest and most efficient method. The IRS provides a free online application that guides you through an interview-style process.
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
Step 1: Determine If You Need an EIN (and What You're Applying For)
Before you even think about clicking that "Apply Online" button, let's make sure you actually need an EIN and understand your business structure. This is a common point of confusion, so let's clear it up.
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Do you need an EIN? You will generally need an EIN if your business or entity:
- Has employees (even if you're a sole proprietor).
- Is structured as a corporation or partnership.
- Files tax returns for: employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco, and firearms.
- Withholds taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien.
- Has a Keogh plan.
- Is a trust (except for certain grantor trusts) or an estate.
- Is a non-profit organization.
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What type of entity are you? The online application will ask you to select your business's legal structure. Be sure to know this beforehand! Common types include:
- Sole Proprietorship: You are the sole owner, and there's no legal distinction between you and the business. You might still need an EIN if you hire employees.
- Partnership: Two or more individuals or entities operate a business together.
- Corporation: A legal entity separate from its owners.
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): Offers personal liability protection. You'll need to specify if it's a single-member or multi-member LLC, as this affects how it's taxed.
- Estate: A legal entity that comes into existence upon an individual's death.
- Trust: A legal arrangement where one party (the trustee) holds property for the benefit of another party (the beneficiary).
Pro-Tip: If you're unsure about your business structure or whether you need an EIN, consult with a tax professional or attorney. Getting this right from the start can save you headaches later.
Tip: Every word counts — don’t skip too much.
Step 2: Gather Your Information – The "Before You Begin" Checklist
The IRS online application requires you to complete it in one session. There's no "save and come back later" option, and it will time out after 15 minutes of inactivity. To avoid frustration, have all your details ready before you start.
Here's what you'll typically need:
Tip: Don’t just scroll — pause and absorb.
- Responsible Party Information: This is the individual who controls, manages, or directs the applicant entity and the disposition of its funds and assets.
- Full Legal Name
- Social Security Number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or existing EIN (if the responsible party is an entity).
- Business/Entity Information:
- Full Legal Name of your business/entity.
- Trade Name or "Doing Business As" (DBA) name (if applicable).
- Mailing Address (a physical U.S. address is generally required for online application, not a P.O. Box).
- Physical Address (if different from mailing address).
- County and State where your business operates.
- Date Business Started or Acquired (or the date the trust/estate was funded).
- Closing month of your accounting year.
- Reason for applying for the EIN (e.g., started new business, hired employees, banking purposes, changed organizational type).
- Principal activity of your business (you'll select from a list of categories).
- Number of employees you expect to hire in the next 12 months (if applicable).
Important Note: For international applicants without a U.S. residence, the online application is typically not an option. You'll generally need to apply by phone, fax, or mail.
Step 3: Navigate to the IRS Online EIN Application
Now that you're prepared, it's time to go to the official source.
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
- Open your web browser and go to the official IRS website: www.irs.gov.
- In the search bar (usually in the upper right-hand corner), type "EIN" and press Enter.
- Look for a link that says "Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online" or "Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)." Click on it.
- You'll likely land on a page with information about EINs and the application process. Read through the guidelines to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for online application.
- Click the "Apply Online Now" button to begin the application.
Step 4: The Interview-Style Application – Step-by-Step Completion
This is where you'll input all the information you gathered in Step 2. The online tool is designed to be user-friendly, guiding you with questions.
- Review the Information Page and Begin: The first few screens will provide disclaimers and confirm your eligibility. Read them carefully and click "Begin Application."
- Select Your Legal Structure: Choose the legal type of entity for which you are applying. This is a critical step, as it influences the subsequent questions.
- For example, if you select "Limited Liability Company (LLC)," you'll then be asked about the number of members and the state where it's located.
- If you're applying for an estate, you'll select "Estate" and then be asked for information about the deceased.
- For a trust, you'll select "Trust" and provide details about the trust itself.
- Confirm Your Selection: The IRS will often present a page confirming your chosen entity type and providing a brief description. Click "Continue."
- Reason for Applying: Select the primary reason you are applying for an EIN. Common reasons include:
- Started new business
- Hired employees
- Banking purposes
- Changed organizational type
- Purchased active business
- Responsible Party Details: Enter the full legal name and SSN/ITIN/EIN of the responsible party. This person must have a valid U.S. Taxpayer Identification Number.
- Business Name and Address: Provide the legal name of your business/entity, any trade name (DBA), and the physical and mailing addresses. Ensure these match your official records.
- Business Start Date and Accounting Year: Enter the date your business started or was acquired, and the closing month of your accounting year.
- Employee Information (if applicable): If you will have employees, you'll be asked about the number of employees you expect to hire.
- Principal Business Activity: Select the category that best describes your business's main activity from the provided list. If your specific activity isn't listed, you might need to choose "Other" and then type in a description.
- Additional Questions: The application may ask a series of specific tax-related questions, such as those concerning alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or quarterly federal excise tax returns. Answer these truthfully. Most small businesses will answer "No" to these.
- Review Your Application: This is an extremely important step. Before submitting, the system will display a summary of all the information you've entered. Carefully review every single detail for accuracy. Even a small typo can lead to delays or issues.
Step 5: Receive Your EIN Instantly!
Once you've reviewed everything and confirmed its accuracy, click the "Submit" button.
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- If your application is approved (which is typically the case if all information is correct and you meet the online application criteria), your EIN will be issued immediately on the screen!
- Congratulations! You've successfully obtained your EIN.
- Print and Save: Make sure to print the confirmation page with your new EIN. It's also highly recommended to save a digital copy (e.g., as a PDF) for your records. This is your official IRS EIN confirmation letter.
Note: While you receive your EIN instantly, it may take up to two weeks for your new EIN to become fully registered and integrated into all IRS systems for certain purposes, like e-filing.
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| How To Submit Irs Form Ss 4 Online |
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to EINs and their quick answers:
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How to find a lost EIN?
- Quick Answer: Check your IRS confirmation letter, contact your bank, look at past tax returns, or call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.
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How to get an EIN for a Sole Proprietorship online?
- Quick Answer: While generally not required unless you have employees, you can still apply online. Select "Sole Proprietor" as your entity type, provide your personal SSN as the responsible party, and follow the steps.
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How to get an EIN for an LLC online?
- Quick Answer: Go to the IRS online application, select "Limited Liability Company (LLC)," indicate if it's single-member or multi-member, and provide the responsible party's information (usually an owner or manager).
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How to get an EIN for a Partnership online?
- Quick Answer: Access the IRS online application, choose "Partnership" as your entity type, and provide the necessary details for one of the general partners or the responsible party.
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How to get an EIN for a Trust online?
- Quick Answer: Use the IRS online application, select "Trust," and input the trust's legal name, the trustee's information (as the responsible party), and the date the trust was funded.
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How to get an EIN for an Estate online?
- Quick Answer: Navigate to the IRS online application, select "Estate," and provide the deceased individual's name (followed by "Estate"), the executor's or administrator's information (as the responsible party), and the date of death.
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How to apply for an EIN if you are an international applicant without a U.S. residence?
- Quick Answer: The online application generally requires a U.S. address. International applicants typically apply by phone (+1-267-941-1099, not a toll-free number), fax, or mail using Form SS-4.
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How to determine if I need a new EIN after a business change?
- Quick Answer: Generally, you need a new EIN if your business structure or ownership significantly changes (e.g., sole proprietorship becomes a corporation, partnership incorporates). The IRS website provides specific guidance for various scenarios.
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How to prevent common mistakes when applying for an EIN online?
- Quick Answer: Always double-check all information for accuracy before submitting, ensure you select the correct entity type, and have all required details gathered before starting the application to avoid timeouts.
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How to know if an EIN application website is legitimate?
- Quick Answer: Always use the official IRS website (www.irs.gov) to apply for an EIN. Be wary of third-party websites that charge a fee, as getting an EIN directly from the IRS is a free service.
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