A Federal identification Number 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.