One odd thing about blogging: you might start it just to share your ideas, but when the money starts rolling in, government paperwork isn't far behind. If your blog gets even a little bit of income—from ads, sponsors, affiliates, or digital product sales—you've probably heard about something called an EIN. It sounds official and intimidating, but should you rush to get one if you’re cashing a few bucks from your side-hustle? Here’s the real story behind EINs and blogs for 2025.
What’s an EIN, Anyway?
An EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. The IRS, America’s tax agency, hands these out mostly to businesses for tax purposes. Even if you don’t employ anyone, this ID number is basically the equivalent of a Social Security Number for your business. You’ll use it to open business bank accounts, apply for certain licenses, handle payroll, and file business taxes in the US. Most countries don’t have an exact equivalent, but if you’re a non-US citizen—like me, living in Sydney—you’ll hear about EINs if you’re getting paid through American platforms.
You might wonder, "Isn’t my name and bank account enough?" Not always. Sites like Amazon, Google AdSense, or sponsors could ask for your EIN if you start making US-sourced income. The IRS wants to know where the money is going, even if you live outside of America. Fun fact: as of early 2025, about 33% of mid-size blog owners worldwide report filling out W-8BEN or W-9 forms because they work with US companies or audiences. That’s a lot of bloggers dealing with US tax rules, whether they live in Texas or Tasmania.
So do you really need an EIN? That depends on a few specific scenarios…
When a Blogger Actually Needs an EIN (and When You Don’t)
Here’s where things get interesting. Having a blog doesn’t require an EIN by default. If you're in the early stages, writing for fun, and haven’t earned a cent, you can skip this admin headache. But once money enters the chat, the line gets blurry.
- If you set up your blog as a registered business in the US (like an LLC, partnership, or corporation), you absolutely need an EIN. It’s required to file business taxes and pay employees. Even if your only employee is you, that business structure means an EIN is on your to-do list.
- If you're a non-US citizen earning money from US sources (think Amazon Associates, AdSense), you might be asked for an EIN or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) before you see any money in your account. For example, Google AdSense started rolling out stricter payment requirements in 2023, asking for tax IDs from publishers worldwide.
- If you only blog as a hobby or your income stays tiny (under $400 a year from US companies, no business structure), you probably don’t need an EIN. But read the terms for every program; some advertisers demand tax IDs no matter how small your earnings.
- Freelance bloggers or sole proprietors based in the US can often use their Social Security Number. But a lot of people get an EIN anyway to keep their personal info off forms sent to random companies. Identity theft is no joke. According to the FTC, identity theft from sharing SSNs online rose by over 18% between 2021 and 2024. So, privacy alone could be a good reason to grab an EIN for your blog.
Here’s a quick table for the most common situations:
| Blogger Scenario | Do You Need an EIN? |
|---|---|
| Personal, hobby blog (no income) | No |
| Registered US business (LLC, corporation) | Yes |
| Freelance US blogger (sole proprietor) | No, but recommended for privacy |
| International blogger earning from US ads/sponsors | Often yes (or ITIN), depends on payer’s rules |
So, if your blog is more than just a digital journal, or you’re doing business with US brands, put “EIN” on your radar, even if you’re in Australia like me.
How to Actually Get an EIN (Yes, It’s Free!)
Now for the part most people dread: government forms. Luckily, snagging an EIN from the IRS doesn’t cost a cent, and it’s not as tricky as you might guess. Here’s the real-world process, broken down:
- Decide why you need it. For a blog, it’s usually to fill in payment forms for ad programs (like AdSense or Amazon), to start a US-based business, or to keep your SSN private when dealing with sponsors.
- Go to the IRS application site. The online IRS EIN Assistant works during US business hours (which can be wild if you’re in a different time zone). If it’s after-hours in Australia, set a reminder—they don’t accept online apps 24/7.
- If you’re outside the US, or the site rejects you, try fax or mail. I know, these sound ancient, but some overseas bloggers use a simple form (SS-4) and fax it directly to the IRS. Typical wait time? 5–15 business days, but it can take longer during US tax season (March–April or in July).
- Keep your EIN number safe. It isn’t secret like a password, but you don’t want it floating around in your downloads folder either. You’ll need it every time you fill out US tax forms, hire contractors, or open a business account with a US bank.
The IRS never charges for an EIN. Don’t fall for online “registration services” that want hundreds to do what you can do in half an hour. If you see a paywall, you’re probably on a scam site.
Tax Facts, Smart Tips, and Must-Know Advice for Bloggers
Here’s where you cut through the confusion and make sure you don’t mess up your blog’s legit status—or your earnings. Tax law sounds scary, but for most bloggers it’s about knowing which forms to fill out and when.
If you’re a US citizen or resident and your blog makes more than $400 a year (after expenses), the IRS counts it as self-employment income. You’ll report it using a Schedule C. If you receive payments from US companies, they may send you a 1099-NEC form to report what they paid you. Mess up your filings and the IRS can hit you with fines, but if you’re organized, it’s straightforward.
For those of us outside the US, things look a bit different. Australian bloggers only owe tax to the ATO (Australian Taxation Office) on worldwide income, even if you’re paid by Google or Amazon in the States. You still might need to fill a W-8BEN form for US payers, which usually asks for an EIN or ITIN. Missing or wrong tax info can freeze your payments—the last thing you want right after a big traffic spike.
Insider tip: some payment platforms, like PayPal or Stripe, won’t ask you for an EIN unless you set them up as a US business. But US ad networks and sponsor agencies almost always will, starting around the $600/year earning mark. In the last two years, AdSense publishers frequently report requests for tax info as soon as their earnings cross the $10 barrier—for almost every country, not just the US.
Another stats bomb: surveys in January 2025 suggest 47% of monetized blogs earning over $3500/month have an EIN, even if the site’s owner lives outside the US. This reflects a global trend: digital entrepreneurs are treating their blogs more like businesses—and tax authorities are noticing.
If you’re growing your blog, treat setting up an EIN just like grabbing your domain or business name. It takes little time, and it keeps you protected (your SSN stays private), lets you expand (get on sponsor listings that require EINs), and makes your finances simpler.
Bonus tip: Double check every ad platform or affiliate program’s “tax info” or “payment requirements” page, since they sometimes update rules without a big announcement. Google AdSense and Amazon change their policies every year or so, and missing a small line could mean weeks without your payouts!
One last thing—never share your EIN (or SSN, or ABN for Aussies) with strangers or through unsecured websites. Store it somewhere offline, and give it only to trusted payment companies or programs you work with directly.
Blogger life moves fast, and the line between hobbyist and business owner gets blurry after your first affiliate payout. If you’re earning money, or plan to turn your blog into part of your income in 2025, grab yourself an EIN—even if the IRS site looks like it hasn’t been updated since 2004. Your future self (and your bank account) will thank you.
