EIN Frequently Asked Questions

Eighteen common questions about EINs, with plain-English answers.

The most-asked EIN questions, answered

Click any question to expand the answer. If your question is not here, the page-by-page guides on this site cover the details. Start with What is an EIN? if you are new, or How to Apply if you are ready to start the application.

Yes. The IRS does not, and never has, charged for an EIN. Apply directly at IRS.gov. Anyone charging you is a third-party service. See the free vs paid page for more.
Online applications give you the EIN immediately at the end of the session, in PDF form. Fax applications take about 4 business days. Mail applications take 4 to 6 weeks.
No. International applicants can apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4. The IRS also has a phone line for international applicants at 267-941-1099. The online application is restricted to applicants with an SSN or ITIN.
No, not in the right order. Form the entity with your state first. Once the state approves, apply for the EIN. The EIN application asks for your formation date, which only exists after the state approves.
If each business is its own legal entity (separate LLCs, separate corps), yes, each needs its own EIN. If you run multiple lines under one entity (one LLC with two product lines), one EIN is enough.
Yes. The EIN application accepts sole proprietor as a structure type. You will use the EIN for banking, W-9s, and 1099s. Personal tax filing still uses your SSN.
No. EINs do not expire. Once issued, they remain valid indefinitely (or until you close the account).
The IRS requires the EIN application to list a 'responsible party,' a real human being who controls or owns the entity. Not an attorney as proxy, not another entity. For a single-member LLC, the responsible party is you. For a corporation, it is usually an officer.
Yes, every nonprofit needs an EIN. You cannot apply for tax-exempt status (Form 1023 or 1023-EZ) without one. Note: getting an EIN does NOT make you tax-exempt. Tax-exempt status is a separate determination.
Generally, no. EINs for private companies are not in any public database. For public companies, check SEC EDGAR. For nonprofits, check Candid or ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer. For everyone else, ask them directly with a W-9.
Nothing bad. The EIN sits inactive in IRS records. You do not have to file returns for an EIN with no activity. If you never operate the business at all, the EIN simply remains unused.
An individual can be the responsible party for many EINs (one for each entity they own). But the IRS limits applications to one EIN per responsible party per day, to prevent abuse.
No. Moving does not require a new EIN. Update your address with the IRS using Form 8822-B (Change of Address for Business).
Usually no. Update the IRS via a written notification. The EIN stays the same. Major structural changes (LLC to corp, sole prop to corp) do require a new EIN.
On a corporate or partnership return, the EIN is on the top of page 1. On a Schedule C, it is on line D. On a payroll tax return like Form 941, it is in box A.
Yes, by fax or mail using Form SS-4, or by phone at 267-941-1099. The online application is not available without an SSN or ITIN.
Yes. EIN, Federal Tax ID Number, FTIN, and FEIN are all the same thing. Different terms, same nine-digit number.
EIN theft is real but less common than SSN theft. Thieves use stolen EINs to open fraudulent business accounts or file fake tax returns. The IRS has a process for reporting suspected EIN fraud, and you can call the Business and Specialty Tax Line if you suspect misuse.

Common questions

Is an EIN free?

Yes. The IRS does not, and never has, charged for an EIN. Apply directly at IRS.gov. Anyone charging you is a third-party service. See the free vs paid page for more.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Online applications give you the EIN immediately at the end of the session, in PDF form. Fax applications take about 4 business days. Mail applications take 4 to 6 weeks.

Do I have to be in the US to apply?

No. International applicants can apply by fax or mail using Form SS-4. The IRS also has a phone line for international applicants at 267-941-1099. The online application is restricted to applicants with an SSN or ITIN.

Can I apply for an EIN before forming my LLC or corporation?

No, not in the right order. Form the entity with your state first. Once the state approves, apply for the EIN. The EIN application asks for your formation date, which only exists after the state approves.

Do I need a separate EIN for each business I run?

If each business is its own legal entity (separate LLCs, separate corps), yes, each needs its own EIN. If you run multiple lines under one entity (one LLC with two product lines), one EIN is enough.

Can I have an EIN as a sole proprietor?

Yes. The EIN application accepts sole proprietor as a structure type. You will use the EIN for banking, W-9s, and 1099s. Personal tax filing still uses your SSN.

Will my EIN expire?

No. EINs do not expire. Once issued, they remain valid indefinitely (or until you close the account).

What is a responsible party?

The IRS requires the EIN application to list a 'responsible party,' a real human being who controls or owns the entity. Not an attorney as proxy, not another entity. For a single-member LLC, the responsible party is you. For a corporation, it is usually an officer.

Do nonprofits need an EIN?

Yes, every nonprofit needs an EIN. You cannot apply for tax-exempt status (Form 1023 or 1023-EZ) without one. Note: getting an EIN does NOT make you tax-exempt. Tax-exempt status is a separate determination.

Can I look up someone else's EIN?

Generally, no. EINs for private companies are not in any public database. For public companies, check SEC EDGAR. For nonprofits, check Candid or ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer. For everyone else, ask them directly with a W-9.

What happens if I never use my EIN?

Nothing bad. The EIN sits inactive in IRS records. You do not have to file returns for an EIN with no activity. If you never operate the business at all, the EIN simply remains unused.

Can a single person have multiple EINs?

An individual can be the responsible party for many EINs (one for each entity they own). But the IRS limits applications to one EIN per responsible party per day, to prevent abuse.

If I move, do I need a new EIN?

No. Moving does not require a new EIN. Update your address with the IRS using Form 8822-B (Change of Address for Business).

If I change my LLC name, do I need a new EIN?

Usually no. Update the IRS via a written notification. The EIN stays the same. Major structural changes (LLC to corp, sole prop to corp) do require a new EIN.

Where is my EIN on a tax return?

On a corporate or partnership return, the EIN is on the top of page 1. On a Schedule C, it is on line D. On a payroll tax return like Form 941, it is in box A.

Can I apply for an EIN from a foreign country?

Yes, by fax or mail using Form SS-4, or by phone at 267-941-1099. The online application is not available without an SSN or ITIN.

Is an EIN the same as a Federal Tax ID?

Yes. EIN, Federal Tax ID Number, FTIN, and FEIN are all the same thing. Different terms, same nine-digit number.

Can my EIN be stolen and used like an SSN?

EIN theft is real but less common than SSN theft. Thieves use stolen EINs to open fraudulent business accounts or file fake tax returns. The IRS has a process for reporting suspected EIN fraud, and you can call the Business and Specialty Tax Line if you suspect misuse.

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