How to File for an EIN to Start Your Own Business

Thinking about starting a business in the United States?

Well, you’ll most likely need an EIN, or employer identification number. The unique nine-digit number is used to identify American businesses by the IRS for tax filing purposes and to be able to pay employees. The number never expires and can never be reissued to another business, making it pretty similar to the concept of a Social Security number.

We understand that this information might be new and confusing, so we’ve laid out everything you need to know about EINs and how to properly file for one.

The IRS has made it simple for business owners to determine whether their company needs an EIN. 

Basically, if you answer yes to any of the following six questions, you should file:

• Trusts, except certain grantor-owned revocable trusts, IRAs, exempt organization
• Business Income Tax Returns
• Estates
• Real estate mortgage investment conduits
• Nonprofit organizations
• Farmers' cooperatives
• Plan administrators

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need an EIN number in order to legally run your business and ensure that taxes can be collected on your business. You'll also need an EIN if you want to open a bank account for your company.

EINs are not just for filing taxes but also for opening a bank account with your business name on it, applying for a business credit card, applying for business permits and licenses and also applying for business loans. Additionally, the only time you’ll need to apply for a new EIN is if the ownership or structure of the business changes.

Now that you’ve determined that you do indeed need an EIN, it’s time to apply. It’s recommended to apply as soon as you launch your business, as most banks and credit unions will not allow a business to open a business account until an EIN has been assigned. Applying is free through the IRS website and business owners should refrain from filing elsewhere, especially websites that claim a fee for the application.

Additionally, there are four ways to apply for an EIN through the IRS: online, by mail, by fax and by phone. The average turnaround time varies per form of application and will help business owners better decide which route they wish to take for filing. Online applications issue EINs immediately after the application is completed and information is validated during the session. Mailed applications take four weeks to process. Faxed applications take up to four business to process, and phone applications for international applicants can vary.