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No need to file a Form SS-4! We ask you the questions and you give us the answers. After all validations are done you will get your EIN immediately upon completion. You can then download, save, and print your EIN confirmation notice.

Purpose of an Employer Identification Number

Employer Identification Numbers are issued for the purpose of tax administration and are not intended for participation in any other activities (e.g., tax lien auction or sales, lotteries, etc.)

Daily Limitation of an Employer Identification Number

Effective May 21, 2012, to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service will limit Employer Identification Number (EIN) issuance to one per responsible party per day. For trusts, the limitation is applied to the grantor, owner, or trustor. For estates, the limitation is applied to the decedent (decedent estate) or the debtor (bankruptcy estate). This limitation is applicable to all requests for EINs whether online or by phone, fax or mail. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you need to file a return, but do not have your EIN yet due to the limitation discussed above, complete a Form SS-4 and attach it to the completed and signed tax return. Mail both forms to the address for filing the tax return. See Where to File . The IRS will assign your EIN and then process your tax return. You will receive a notice advising you of your EIN within four weeks

Is the Responsible Party For Your New Entity an EIN Previously Obtained Through the Internet?

We cannot process your application online if the responsible party is an entity with an EIN previously obtained through the Internet. Please use one of our other methods to apply. See How to Apply for an EIN. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Employer Tax Responsibilities Explained (Publications 15, 15-A and 15B)

Publication 15 provides information on employer tax responsibilities related to taxable wages, employment tax withholding and which tax returns must be filed. More complex issues are discussed in Publication 15-A and tax treatment of many employee benefits can be found in Publication15. We recommend employers download these publications from IRS.gov. Copies can be requested online (search "Forms and Publications) or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM.

Filing for Tax Exempt Status?

It's best to be sure your organization is formed legally before you apply for an EIN. Nearly all organizations are subject to automatic revocation of their tax-exempt status if they fail to file a required return or notice for three consecutive years. When you apply for an EIN, we presume you're legally formed and the clock starts running on this three-year period.

Do You Have Questions About Operating Your Small Business?

Try our one stop resource, the Small Business & Self-Employed Tax Center.

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Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 08-Oct-2014