How to Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN - SS4) Online

Every business that is incorporated, whether as a limited liability company (LLC), a corporation, or a partnership, should apply for and obtain a tax identification number, known as an Employer Identification Number, or EIN, from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).  The EIN is used to identify the business as a taxpayer and is an essential task to be completed when starting a business.  It is easy to apply for an employer identification number online via form SS-4. 

How to Apply:

1.  Complete the SS4 online.  You can view the full instructions are here.

2.  When you have obtained your EIN tax identification number, you can incorporate your LLC, corporation or partnership easily online in minutes using Rocket Lawyer's Free Incorporation Service.


Do You Need an Employer Identification Number? 

According to the IRS, you need an EIN if you:

• Started a new business
• Hired or will hire employees, including household employees
• Opened a bank account that requires an EIN for banking purposes
• Changed the legal character or ownership of your organization (for example, you incorporate a sole proprietorship or form a partnership)
• Purchased a business
• Created a trust
• Created a pension plan as a plan administrator
• Are a foreign person and need an EIN to comply with IRS withholding regulations
• Are a withholding agent for taxes on non-wage income paid to an alien (such as an individual, a corporation, or a partnership)
• Are a state or local agency
• Are a federal government unit or agency
• Formed a corporation
• Formed a partnership
• Administer an estate formed as a result of a person's death
• Represent an estate that operates a business after the owner's death

For more information about business taxes, go to www.irs.gov.

Laws on this topic may vary from state to state. This content is not meant to provide you with complete information and it is not intended to be legal or tax advice. It is recommended that you consult with your own attorney, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation.