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Obtaining
your Employer Identification Number
How to Apply for an EIN
Apply
Online
The Internet EIN application is the preferred method for customers to apply for and
obtain an EIN. Once the application is completed, the information is validated during the online session, and an
EIN is issued immediately. The online application process is available for all entities whose principal business,
office or agency, or legal residence (in the case of an individual), is located in the United States or U.S.
Territories. The principal officer, general partner, grantor, owner, trustor etc. must have a valid Taxpayer
Identification Number (Social Security Number, Employer Identification Number, or Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number) in order to use the online application.
Apply By EIN Toll-Free Telephone Service
Taxpayers can obtain an EIN immediately by calling the Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933. The
hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. An assistor takes the information,
assigns the EIN, and provides the number to an authorized individual over the telephone. Note: International
applicants must call (215) 516-6999 (Not a toll-free number).
Apply By FAX
Taxpayers can FAX the completed Form SS-4 (PDF) application to their state FAX number (see Where to File - Business
Forms and Filing Addresses), after ensuring that the Form SS-4 contains all of the required information. If it is
determined that the entity needs a new EIN, one will be assigned using the appropriate procedures for the entity
type. If the taxpayer's fax number is provided, a fax will be sent back with the EIN within four (4) business
days.
Apply By Mail
The processing timeframe for an EIN application received by mail is four weeks. Ensure that the Form SS-4 (PDF)
contains all of the required information. If it is determined that the entity needs a new EIN, one will be assigned
using the appropriate procedures for the entity type and mailed to the taxpayer.
Other Important Information
Third Party Authorization
The Third Party Designee section must be completed at the bottom of the Form SS-4. The Form SS-4 must also be
signed by the taxpayer for the third party designee authorization to be valid. The Form SS-4 must be mailed or
faxed to the appropriate service center. A third party designee may call for an EIN; however a faxed Form SS-4,
with the taxpayer's signature, is still required. IRS assistors will take the information over the phone from the
third party designee and ask the third party to fax the completed Form SS-4 to them (to the IRS assistor's
attention) at an administrative fax number. After receiving the faxed Form SS-4, the EIN will be assigned and faxed
back to the third party designee, or given over the phone. The third party designee's authority terminates at the
time the EIN is assigned and released to the designee.
How Long Will it Take to Get an EIN?
You should apply for an EIN early enough to have your number when you need to file a return or make a deposit. You
can get an EIN quickly by applying online, or by calling the Toll-Free phone number (800) 829-4933. International
applicants must call (215) 516-6999 (Not a toll-free number). If you prefer, you can fax a completed Form SS-4 to
the service center for your state, and they will respond with a return fax in about one week. If you do not include
a return fax number, it will take about two weeks. If you apply by mail, send your completed Form SS-4 (PDF) at
least four to five weeks before you need your EIN to file a return or make a deposit.
If you don't have your EIN by the time a return is due, write "Applied for" and the date you applied in the space
shown for the number. Do not use your social security number.
If you don't have your EIN by the time a deposit is due, send your payment to the service center address for your
state. Make your check or money order payable to Internal Revenue Service and show your name (as shown on the
SS-4), address, kind of tax, period covered, and the date you applied for your EIN.
January 2, 2012
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Article: Determining Your Tax Year and Accounting Method
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Source: http://www.irs.gov/publications/p583/ar02.html#d0e196
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