What is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a federal tax identification number, is assigned to sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships and other entities for tax filing and reporting purposes. The information you provide on this form identifies a business entity and will establish your business tax account. To apply for an EIN you will need to complete IRS Form SS-4: Application for Employer Identification Number. If you don’t currently have an EIN for your business, you may apply for one at the IRS website, or by faxing or mailing a completed Form SS-4 to the appropriate IRS service center.
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number that IRS assigns in the following format: XX-XXXXXXXX. The IRS uses the number to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax returns. EINs are used by employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, nonprofit associations, trusts, estates of decedents, government agencies, certain individuals, and other business entities.
An employer identification number (EIN) is used by the federal government to identify each employer for a variety of federal reporting requirements. In the context of payroll, it is used to report employment taxes and is included in the tax statements given to employees. An EIN is a nine digit number arranged as follows: 00-0000000. It is used to identify the tax accounts of employers and is used on all items sent to the IRS, Social Security Administration, and certain other federal agencies.
