An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is used to identify a business for tax purposes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An EIN or FEIN, also referred to as a Tax Identification Number (TIN), is similar to a social security number for your business. Every business, except for certain sole proprietorships that do not have any employees, should have a federal employer identification number (FEIN). Certain nonprofit organizations for example: churches, clubs, etc., trusts, and estates must also have an EIN.

A business is required to obtain a Federal Employer ID Number if it hires employees or meets other IRS guidelines. In addition, banks usually require businesses to obtain an Employer ID Number prior to opening a business bank account.

Other names

EIN also known as the Tax Identification Number (TIN), Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or the Federal Tax Identification Number, the EIN is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to business entities operating in the United States for the purposes of identification.

When do I need Employer ID Number?

Generally, businesses need a new EIN when their ownership or structure has changed. Although changing the name of your business does not require you to obtain a new EIN. Getting a new EIN also depends on the type of your business entity.

When do I not need Employer ID Number?

Following are the course of business in which you do not need employer identification number or federal tax id number;

• You change the name of your business.
• You change your location and/or add other locations.
• You operate multiple businesses.
• The surviving corporation uses the existing EIN after a corporate merger.
• A corporation declares bankruptcy.
• The corporate name or location changes.
• A corporation chooses to be taxed as an S corporation.
• You report income tax as a branch or division of a corporation or other entity, and the LLC has no employees or excise tax liability.
• An existing partnership converts to an LLC classified as a partnership. • An LLC that already has an EIN chooses to be taxed as a corporation or as an S corporation.
• A new LLC with one owner (single member LLC) is formed under state law, does not choose to be taxed as a corporation or S corporation, and has no employees or excise tax liability

How can I apply for tax identification number/EIN?

Infotaxsquare.com can help you obtain federal employer number or tax identification number in various ways like you can apply online, by telephone service, by fax, or by email. All you need to do is to fill out Interview-style online EIN application.  It’s fast, free, and user-friendly!

What if I misplaced my EIN?

If you previously applied for and received an EIN for your business, but have since misplaced it, try any or all of the following actions to locate the number:
 

• Find the computer-generated notice that was issued by the IRS when you applied for your EIN. This notice is issued as a confirmation of your application for, and receipt of an EIN.

If you used your EIN to open a bank account, or apply for any type of state or local license, you should contact the bank or agency to secure your EIN.

• Ask the IRS to search for your EIN by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line

Can I cancel my EIN number?

Once an EIN has been assigned to a business entity, it becomes the permanent Federal taxpayer identification number for that entity. Regardless of whether the EIN is ever used to file Federal tax returns, the EIN is never reused or reassigned to another business entity.

The IRS cannot cancel your EIN. However, if you receive an EIN but later determine you do not need the number (the new business never started up, for example), the IRS can close your business account. The FEIN will still belong to the business entity and can be used at a later date, should the need arise.

Are FEIN and Social Security Numbers (SSIN) both are same?

Similar in purpose to the Social Security Number assigned to individuals, EINs are used by employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, non-profit organizations, trusts and estates, government agencies, certain individuals and other business entities. The IRS uses this number to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax returns. Individuals who are employers may choose to either obtain an EIN or use their Social Security Number for the purpose of reporting taxes withheld on behalf of their employees.