An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number used by the IRS to identify your particular business. Your EIN is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number. It works just like a social security number, but for your business. You use an EIN to file your business’s taxes, open bank accounts, and much more.
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You can apply for an EIN through the IRS website if you live in the United States or one of its territories. You can also fill out a Form SS-4 and fax or mail it directly to the IRS. It can take up to four weeks to process an EIN application. You will receive a notification from the IRS that your application is approved. The notification will include your new EIN number, which you will use for filing your business taxes and managing business finances.
Not having an EIN can keep you from getting necessary business funding or from meeting important tax deadlines.
If you have an EIN for your business, but cannot locate it, you can try the following:
You need a business tax ID number to do the following:
Businesses need a new EIN if their ownership or structure changes. The process of obtaining a new EIN is the same as when you acquired your initial EIN for the business. You do not need to apply for a new EIN if you change your business’s name.
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