What Is an EIN and Why Does Your Business Need One?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) — also called a Federal Tax Identification Number or FEIN — is a nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to identify your business for federal tax purposes. It works like a Social Security number for your company: banks, the IRS, vendors, and government agencies all use it to identify your entity in their systems.
Even if you never hire a single employee, your EIN is essential for several critical tasks:
- Opening a business bank account. Banks require an EIN to open a business checking account in the entity's name. Without one, your personal and business finances are commingled — a serious problem for liability protection and accounting.
- Multi-member LLCs. The IRS requires multi-member LLCs to obtain an EIN to file a partnership return (Form 1065), regardless of whether anyone is employed.
- Hiring employees. Federal payroll taxes, W-2 forms, and employer withholding accounts all require an EIN.
- Establishing business credit. Creditors and vendors who extend net terms or business credit lines will request your EIN.
- Filing taxes as a corporation. C-corps and S-corps must use their EIN on all federal tax returns.
- Business licenses and permits. Many state and local licensing agencies require your EIN on applications.
What Is IRS Form SS-4?
Form SS-4 is the official IRS application for an Employer Identification Number. It captures information about your entity type, the responsible party, the business purpose, the expected number of employees, and the reason you need an EIN. The IRS uses the information on SS-4 to create your account in their Employer Master File and issue your nine-digit EIN.
The IRS accepts SS-4 by online application, fax, or mail. Processing times differ dramatically:
- Online: EIN issued immediately, confirmation available within minutes. This is the method we use for all domestic applicants.
- Fax: 4 business days.
- Mail: 4–5 weeks.
We file online whenever possible — which means most clients receive their EIN within one business day of placing their order, often faster.
Foreign Nationals Can Obtain an EIN
A common misconception is that you must have a Social Security number or ITIN to get an EIN for your business. This is not true. Foreign nationals who form a US business entity — an LLC, corporation, or other structure — can obtain an EIN through a fax or mail application to the IRS, even without an SSN or ITIN. The responsible party on the SS-4 may be a foreign individual, provided they are the principal officer, general partner, grantor, owner, or trustor of the entity.
For foreign applicants, we prepare the SS-4 for fax submission and manage the process with the IRS International Tax Assistance line. This takes approximately 4 business days rather than same-day, but the result is the same: a valid US EIN for your business.
What's Included
Everything included with your EIN filing
- Review of your entity type and correct EIN eligibility
- Preparation of IRS Form SS-4 with accurate business information
- Online filing with the IRS (or fax for foreign applicants)
- EIN confirmation letter (CP-575 or equivalent) delivered to your portal
- Guidance on where and how to use your new EIN
- Support if the IRS returns a question or issue with the application
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN if I'm a sole proprietor with no employees?
You are not legally required to have an EIN as a sole proprietor with no employees — you can use your SSN for tax purposes instead. However, most sole proprietors obtain an EIN anyway: it keeps your SSN off vendor and contractor forms (W-9s), looks more professional on invoices, and is required by virtually every bank for a business account. If you've formed an LLC (even a single-member LLC), we strongly recommend getting an EIN regardless of employee status.
Can non-US citizens or foreign nationals get an EIN?
Yes. Foreign nationals who own or operate a US business entity can obtain an EIN. An ITIN or SSN is not required. The application is submitted via fax or by calling the IRS international line rather than the online portal, and processing takes about 4 business days. We handle the entire process — you just provide the information we request.
How long does it take to get my EIN?
For US-based applicants, EINs are typically issued the same day or within one business day. We file online through the IRS system, which issues the number immediately. For foreign applicants who require fax submission, expect approximately 4 business days. We'll notify you through your portal as soon as the confirmation is available.
Is my EIN public information?
Your EIN is not published on a public database by the IRS. However, it will appear on certain public documents — notably, if your nonprofit files a Form 990 (which is publicly available), or if you file UCC financing statements, the EIN may appear. In general business contexts such as W-9 forms and vendor applications, your EIN is shared with those counterparties but is not freely searchable online.
Can I get a new EIN if I already have one?
Generally, an entity retains the same EIN for its lifetime. However, certain changes — converting entity type, creating a new entity after dissolution, or certain ownership restructures — may require a new EIN. If you're unsure whether your situation requires a new EIN, reach out before ordering and we'll help you determine the right course of action.