EIN guides

EIN guides

• Do you actually need an EIN? draft

  Not every business needs an employer identification number. The situations that require one, the ones that only make it convenient, and how to tell them apart.

• Does the IRS charge for an EIN? draft

  The IRS issues employer identification numbers at no cost through every channel. What paid services actually sell, and how to spot one pretending to be the agency.

• EIN, ITIN, SSN and TIN: which number is which draft

  Four terms, three actual numbers and one umbrella word. What each identifies, who issues it, and which one your situation calls for.

• How to get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN draft

  The IRS online EIN tool requires an SSN or ITIN. Here is how to apply for an EIN without either one, by fax, by mail, or by phone from abroad.

• IRS fax numbers for Form SS-4

  The IRS uses two different fax numbers for Form SS-4, and the one you need depends on where the business is based. Both numbers, with mailing addresses.

• Who can and cannot use the IRS online EIN application draft

  The online EIN assistant has two entry conditions. Check both before you start, and see which channel is left when one of them fails.