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Employer identification number

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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