An Employer Identification Number (EIN) has nine digits. The IRS writes it in a two-then-seven pattern separated by a hyphen (XX-XXXXXXX), and that hyphen placement is what visually sets it apart from other federal identification numbers.1Legal Information Institute. 26 C.F.R. § 301.6109-1 – Identifying numbers
Why the Format Matters
A Social Security Number also has nine digits, but it is grouped three-two-four (XXX-XX-XXXX). The EIN’s two-seven grouping is the quick visual cue that a number belongs to a business tax account rather than an individual. Federal rules require non-individual entities to use an EIN on tax forms; individuals generally use a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number instead.1Legal Information Institute. 26 C.F.R. § 301.6109-1 – Identifying numbers
Where to Find Your EIN
When the IRS assigns an EIN, it issues a confirmation notice called CP 575. Online applicants can view, save, or print that notice at the end of the session. If you cannot locate the original notice, the same nine-digit number appears in several places you likely already have on hand:2Taxpayer Advocate Service. Lost or Misplaced Your EIN? – Section: If you’ve lost your EIN
- Previously filed federal tax returns
- Bank records from when the business account was opened
- Applications for business licenses or permits
The IRS does not reissue the original CP 575. If you need written confirmation, the agency generally issues Letter 147C instead. You can also call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933, though the operator will only release the number to an authorized person such as a corporate officer or partner after verifying your identity and your relationship to the entity.3IRS. Telephone Assistance for Business Customers4Internal Revenue Service. Internal Revenue Manual – Section: Form SS-4 Application Status
How to Get an EIN if You Do Not Have One
The IRS recommends applying online. The tool is free, available during extended weekday and weekend hours, and issues the nine-digit number immediately once the application is complete. To use it, your business must have its principal place of business in the United States or a U.S. territory, and only one EIN per responsible party is allowed per day.5IRS. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online – Section: Availability
If online is not an option, you can fax Form SS-4 to the IRS and generally receive a response within four business days, or mail it and wait roughly four to five weeks. Applicants located outside the United States or its territories may apply by telephone; domestic applicants generally cannot.6IRS. Instructions for Form SS-4 – Section: Apply by fax or mail7IRS. How to Apply for an EIN
Before you start, have the legal name of the entity ready, along with any trade or DBA name, the entity type (corporation, partnership, LLC, and so on), and a reason for the request such as starting a new business or hiring employees. You will also need to name a responsible party who owns or controls the entity and provide that person’s Taxpayer Identification Number; if the responsible party is not eligible for an SSN or ITIN, the application should show “foreign” or “N/A” in that space.8IRS. Instructions for Form SS-4 – Section: Line 1, 9a, and 109IRS. About Form SS-4
Not every sole proprietor needs an EIN. Federal rules require one only when the person has specific filing obligations, such as hiring employees or filing certain excise tax returns.1Legal Information Institute. 26 C.F.R. § 301.6109-1 – Identifying numbers