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Employer identification number
Overview
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN.
Does your business need an EIN?
If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, your business needs an EIN:
- Do you have employees?
- Do you operate your business as a corporation or a partnership?
- Do you file any of these tax returns: Employment, Excise, or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms?
- Do you withhold taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien?
- Do you have a Keogh plan?
- Are you involved with any of the following types of organizations?
- Trusts, except certain grantor-owned revocable trusts, IRAs, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Returns
- Estates:*
- Real estate mortgage investment conduits
- Non-profit organizations
- Farmers' cooperatives
- Plan administrators
How to apply for an EIN
You may apply for an EIN in various ways, including online.[1]. This is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service. You must check with Localyour state]] to make sure whether or not you need an additional state number or charter.
Reference
External links
- IRS.gov - Information about Employer ID Numbers.
- EIN internet application form
