EIN Requirements: Fast Track Your Employer ID

Need a tax ID for your business? The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the gateway to opening bank accounts, hiring staff, and filing taxes. Below is a plain‑English rundown of what the IRS asks for and how you can snag yours without wasting time.

What the IRS Actually Wants

First off, the IRS doesn’t need a mountain of paperwork. You’ll need:

• A legal business name and any trade names you use.
• The type of entity you’re forming – sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation, etc.
• The date you started or plan to start operations.
• A mailing address (P.O. boxes are okay) and, if different, the physical location of the business.
• The name and Social Security Number (or ITIN) of the responsible party – usually the owner or a principal officer.

If you’re a non‑resident foreign entity, you’ll also need a foreign tax identification number and a US‑based responsible party.

How to Apply in 2025

There are three ways to file:

1. Online: The fastest. Head to the IRS website, fill out the short form, and you’ll get the EIN instantly. The portal works 24/7 for most entities.
2. Phone (for international applicants): Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 267‑941‑1099. Have your paperwork ready – the rep will walk you through the questions.
3. Mail or Fax: Download Form SS‑4, complete it, and send it to the address or fax number listed on the form. Expect a week or two for a mailed response.

When you fill out the form, be honest about the business purpose. Vague answers like “general consulting” are fine, but avoid overly broad descriptions that could raise flags.

Once you receive your EIN, write it down, store it securely, and start using it on invoices, payroll, and tax filings. You’ll never need to apply again unless you change the legal structure or the responsible party.

Common Mistakes to Dodge

People often trip up on a few things:

• Using the wrong entity type: If you’re an LLC taxed as a partnership, select the partnership option. The IRS matches your EIN to the entity code.
• Leaving the responsible party blank: The IRS can’t process the request without a name and SSN/ITIN.
• Applying for a “free” service elsewhere: Only the IRS provides a free EIN. Third‑party services may charge fees and add unnecessary steps.

Fixing these errors after submission can delay your EIN by weeks, so double‑check before you hit submit.

That’s it – the EIN requirements are simple, and with the online tool you can have your tax ID in minutes. Got questions? Drop a comment or check the IRS FAQs for the latest updates.