1

EMPLOYER 

IDENTIFICATION 

NUMBER

Understanding Your EIN
2
1

This publication provides general information on Employer 

Identification Numbers (EINs). The topics included are: 

• What is an EIN 

• Information by type of business entity

• When you need a new EIN 

• How to apply for an EIN 

• How to complete Form SS-4 

• Where to apply for an EIN 

• How to avoid common problems 

Table of Contents

What is an EIN? ...........................................................................................2

Special Rules Regarding Entity Classification Elections .......................2

Information by Type of Business Entity.....................................................2

Sole Proprietorship .....................................................................................3

Corporation ..................................................................................................4

Partnership ...................................................................................................5

Estate .............................................................................................................7

Trust ..............................................................................................................7

Employee Plans ...........................................................................................9

Exempt Organizations ..............................................................................10

Limited Liability Company (LLC) ..........................................................12

Employment and Excise Taxes ................................................................13

Employment Taxes ....................................................................................13

Excise Taxes ................................................................................................14

How to Apply for an EIN .........................................................................14

Apply Online .............................................................................................14

Apply by Fax ..............................................................................................15

Apply by Mail..............................................................................................15

How to Complete Form SS-4, Application for an EIN ..........................15

Sole Proprietor/Individual........................................................................16

Corporation..................................................................................................17

Partnership .................................................................................................19

Trust .............................................................................................................20

GNMA POOLS (Governmental National Mortgage Association) ......21

Estate.............................................................................................................22

Plan Administrators ..................................................................................23

Employee Plans .........................................................................................24

Exempt Organizations ..............................................................................25

Bankruptcy (Individual) ..........................................................................27

Bankruptcy (Corporation or Partnership) .............................................28

EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) .................................28

Where to Apply for an EIN (Mail or Fax):...............................................29

Avoiding Common EIN Problems............................................................30
2

What is an EIN? 

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number that IRS assigns 

in the following format: XX-XXXXXXX. It is used to identify the tax accounts of employers and certain others who have no employees. However, for employee plans, 

an alpha (for example, P) or the plan number (e.g., 003) may follow the EIN. The IRS 

uses the number to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax 

returns. EINs are used by employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, 

non-profit associations, trusts, estates of decedents, government agencies, certain 

individuals, and other business entities. Use your EIN on all of the items that you 

send to the IRS and the Social Security Administration (SSA). 

Caution: An EIN is for use in connection with your business activities only. Do not 

use your EIN in place of your social security number (SSN).

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. This limitation is applicable to all 

requests for EINs whether online or by fax or mail. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

You should have only one EIN for the same business entity. If you have more than 

one EIN and are not sure which one to use, call the Business and Specialty Tax Line 

at 1-800-829-4933 (TTY/TDD users can call 1-800-829-4059). Provide the numbers 

that you have, the name and address to which each was assigned, and the address 

of your main place of business. The IRS will tell you which number to use.

If you do not have your EIN by the time your return is due, write “Applied For” 

and the date that you applied for it in the space shown for the number. 

Special Rules Regarding Entity 

Classification Elections 

There are special rules and procedures for classification elections made on Form 

8832, Entity Classification Election. Those rules and procedures are not reflected in 

this publication. The results explained in this publication may be different when 

an entity classification election is involved. See the instructions for Form 8832 for 

further information regarding entity classification elections. 

Information by Type of Business Entity

This section contains the following information:

• Definitions of various entity types

• Which forms each entity type may file

• When you need a new EIN

• When you don’t need a new EIN
3

Sole Proprietorship 

Definition 

A sole proprietorship is an unincorporated business that is owned by one individual. It is the simplest form of business organization to start and maintain. The 

business has no existence apart from you, the owner. Its liabilities are your personal 

liabilities and you undertake the risks of the business for all assets owned, whether 

or not used in the business. Include the income and expenses of the business on 

your own tax return. For more information on sole proprietorships, see Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Businesses. If you are a farmer, see Publication 225, 

Farmer’s Tax Guide.

Form(s): 

Business profits or losses of a sole proprietorship are reported on Schedule C, 

Schedule C-EZ, or Schedule F of Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. A 

sole proprietor may also be required to file other returns (such as employment or 

excise tax returns). 

You will need a new EIN if any of the following are true: 

• You file bankruptcy under Chapter 7 (liquidation) or Chapter 11 (reorganization)

of the Bankruptcy Code

• You incorporate

• You are a sole proprietor and take in partners and operate as a partnership

• You are establishing a pension, profit sharing, or retirement plan

You do not need a new EIN if any of the following are true: 

• You change the name of your business

• You change your location or add locations (stores, plants, enterprises or branches

of the entity)

• You operate multiple businesses (including stores, plants, enterprises or branches

of the entity)

Note: If you are a sole proprietor who conducts business as a limited liability

company (LLC), you do not need a separate EIN for the LLC, unless you are

required to file employment or excise tax returns. A limited liability company

is an entity formed under state law by filing articles of organization as an LLC.

An LLC owned by one individual is automatically treated as a sole proprietorship for federal income tax purposes (referred to as an entity to be disregarded as

separate from its owner). Report the business activities of the LLC on your Form

1040 using a Schedule C, Schedule C-EZ or Schedule F.
4

Corporation 

Definition: 

A corporation is defined as a legal entity or structure created under the authority of the laws of a state consisting of a person, or group of persons, who become 

shareholders. The entity’s existence is considered separate and distinct from that of 

its members. Since a corporation is an entity in its own right, it is liable for its own 

debts and obligations. In forming a corporation, prospective shareholders transfer 

money, property, or both, for the corporation’s capital stock. 

The following businesses formed after 1996 are taxed as corporations: 

• A business formed under a federal or state law that refers to it as a corporation, 

body corporate, or body politic 

• A business formed under a state law that refers to it as a joint-stock company or 

joint-stock association 

• An insurance company 

• Certain banks 

• A business wholly owned by a state or local government 

• A business specifically required to be taxed as a corporation by the 

Internal Revenue Code 

• Certain foreign businesses 

• Any other business that elects to be taxed as a corporation. For example, a limited 

liability company (LLC) by filing Form 8832, Entity Classification Election. For 

more information, see the instructions for Form 8832. 

Form(s): 

Corporations usually file a Form 1120 series return, plus other returns that apply 

(such as employment or excise tax returns). 

The Form 1120 series returns are as follows: 

• Form 1118, Foreign Tax Credit-Corporation

• Form 1120, U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return 

• Form 1120-C, U.S. Income Tax Return for Cooperative Associations

• Form 1120-F, U.S. Income Tax Return of a Foreign Corporation 

• Form 1120-FSC, U.S. Income Tax Return of a Foreign Sales Corporation 

• Form 1120-H, U.S. Income Tax Return for Homeowners Associations 

• Form 1120-L, U.S. Life Insurance Company Income Tax Return 

• Form 1120-ND, Return for Nuclear Decommissioning Funds and Certain Related 

Persons 

• Form 1120-PC, U.S. Property and Casualty Insurance Company Income Tax 

Return 

• Form 1120-POL, U.S. Income Tax Return for Certain Political Organizations 

• Form 1120-REIT, U.S. Income Tax Return for Real Estate Investment Trusts 
5

• Form 1120-RIC, U.S. Income Tax Return for Regulated Investment Companies 

• Form 1120S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation 

• Form 1120-SF, U.S. Income Tax Return for Designated Settlement Funds (Under 

section 468B) 

• Form 1120-W, Estimated Tax for Corporations

• Form 1120-X, Amended U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return

You will need a new EIN if any of the following are true: 

• You are a subsidiary of a corporation and currently use the parent’s corporate EIN 

• You become a subsidiary of a corporation 

• The corporation becomes a partnership or a sole proprietorship 

• You create a new corporation after a statutory merger 

• You receive a new corporate charter 

You will not need a new EIN if any of the following are true: 

• You are a division of a corporation 

• After a corporate merger, the surviving corporation uses its existing EIN 

• A corporation declares bankruptcy. However, if a liquidating trust is established 

for a corporation that is in bankruptcy, an EIN for that trust is required. See Treasury Reg. § 301.7701-4(d).

• Your business name changes 

• You change your location or add locations (stores, plants, enterprises or branches) 

• You elect to be taxed as an S Corporation by filing Form 2553 

• After a corporate reorganization, you only change identity, form, or place of 

organization 

• The corporation is sold and the assets, liabilities and charters are obtained by the 

buyer

Partnership 

Definition: 

A partnership is the relationship existing between two or more persons who join 

together to carry on a trade or business. Each partner contributes money, property, 

labor or skill, and expects to share in the profits and losses of the business. 

The term ‘partnership’ includes a limited partnership, syndicate, group, pool, joint 

venture, or other unincorporated organization, through or by which any business, 

financial operation, or venture is carried on. 

An unincorporated organization with two or more members is generally classified 

as a partnership for federal tax purposes if its members carry on a trade, business, 

financial operation, or venture and divide its profits. However, a joint undertaking merely to share expenses is not a partnership. For example, co-ownership of 

property maintained and rented or leased is not a partnership unless the co-owners 

provide services to the tenants. 
6

Husband and Wife Businesses – Sole Proprietorship or Partnership? 

Many small businesses are operated by husband and wife, without incorporating 

or creating a formal partnership agreement. A husband and wife business may be a 

partnership, whether or not a formal partnership agreement is made. However, see 

the information below regarding legislation designed to reduce taxpayer burden for 

husband and wife businesses.

The Small Business and Work Opportunity Tax Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-28) 

provides that for tax years beginning after December 31, 2006, a qualified joint 

venture conducted by a husband and wife who file a joint return is not rated as a 

partnership for federal tax purposes. A qualified joint venture, for purposes of this 

provision, includes only businesses that are owned and operated by spouses as 

co-owners, and not in the name of a state law entity (including a general or limited 

liability company).

If a husband and wife materially participate as the only members of a jointly owned 

and operated business, and file a joint federal income tax return (Form 1040), they 

can elect for the business to be taxed as a qualified joint venture instead of a partnership. To make the election, all items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit 

must be divided between the spouses, in accordance with each spouse’s interests in 

the venture, and reported on separate Schedules C or F as sole proprietors.

Spouses who meet these qualifications and require EINs should submit separate 

Forms SS-4 as sole proprietors. Do not apply for a joint EIN as a “Qualified Joint 

Venture”.

Note: If your spouse is your employee, not your partner, you must pay Social 

Security and Medicare taxes for him or her. 

Form(s): 

A partnership files Form 1065, U.S. Partnership Return of Income, plus other returns 

that apply (such as employment or excise tax returns). 

You will need a new EIN if any of the following are true: 

• You incorporate 

• One partner takes over and operates as a sole proprietorship 

• The partnership is terminated (no part of any business, financial operation, or 

venture of the partnership continues to be carried on by any of its partners in a 

partnership) and a new partnership is begun 

You do not need a new EIN if any of the following are true: 

• The partnership declares bankruptcy. However, if a liquidating trust is 

established for a partnership that is in bankruptcy, an EIN for that trust is required. See Treasury Reg. § 301.7701-4(d)

• The partnership name changes 

• The location of the partnership changes or new locations are added. 

• The partnership terminates under IRC Section 708(b)(1)(B). A partnership shall be 

considered terminated if within a 12-month period there is a sale or exchange of 

at least 50% of the total interest in partnership capital and profits to another partner. If the purchaser and remaining partners immediately contribute the properties to a new partnership, they can retain the old partnership EIN. 
7

Estate 

Definitions: 

Estate: An estate is a legal entity created as the result of a person’s death. The decedent’s estate is a separate legal entity for federal tax purposes. An estate consists 

of real and/or personal property of the deceased person. The estate pays any debts 

owed by the decedent and then distributes the balance of the estate’s assets to the 

beneficiaries of the estate. The estate exists until the final distribution of the assets is 

made to the heirs and other beneficiaries. 

Fiduciary: A fiduciary is any person acting in a fiduciary capacity for any other person. A fiduciary for a decedent’s estate can be an executor, administrator, personal 

representative, or person in possession of property of a decedent’s estate. The primary duties of the fiduciary are to collect all the decedent’s assets, pay the creditors, 

and distribute the remaining assets to the heirs or other beneficiaries. 

Form(s): 

• Estates file either Form 706, United States Estate (and Generation-Skipping 

Transfer) Tax Return, or 

• Form 1041, U.S. Fiduciary Return of Income, plus other returns that apply (such 

as employment or excise tax returns) 

You will need a new EIN if any of the following are true: 

• A trust is created with estate funds. Such a trust is not simply a continuation of 

the estate. 

• You represent an estate that operates a business after the owner’s death. 

You will not need a new EIN if any of the following are true: 

• The administrator, personal representative, or executor changes 

• The beneficiaries of an estate change 

Trust 

Definitions

Trust: A trust is an arrangement through which trustees take title to property for 

the purpose of protecting or conserving it for the beneficiaries under the ordinary 

rules applied in chancery or probate courts. A trust is a legal entity created under 

state law and taxed under federal law. A trust may be created during an individual’s lifetime (inter vivos) or at the time of his or her death under a will (testamentary). Trusts include guardianships, custodianships, conservatorships, receiverships, 

escrow accounts, Ginnie Mae (GNMA) and Fannie Mae (FNMA) pools. 

Fiduciary/Trustee: A fiduciary is an individual or organization charged with the 

duty to act for the benefit of another. A trustee is a fiduciary. The trustee obtains 

legal title to the trust assets and is required to administer the trust on behalf of the 

beneficiaries according to the express terms and provisions of the trust agreement.

Beneficiary: A beneficiary is a person designated as a recipient of funds or other 

property under a trust or an estate.

Grantor: The grantor (also known as trustor, settlor, or creator) is the creator of the 
8

trust relationship and is generally the owner of the assets initially contributed to the 

trust. The grantor generally establishes, in the trust instrument, the terms and provisions of the trust relationship between the grantor, the trustee, and the beneficiary. 

The grantor may retain control over all or a portion of the trust, which may result in 

the grantor being subject to tax on the income from that portion of the trust.

Revocable/Irrevocable Trust: An irrevocable trust is a trust, which, by its terms, 

cannot be modified, amended, or revoked. For tax purposes, an irrevocable trust can 

be treated as a simple, complex, or grantor trust, depending on the powers listed in 

the trust instrument. A revocable trust may be revoked and is considered a grantor 

trust (IRC § 676). State law and the trust instrument establish whether a trust is 

revocable or irrevocable. If the trust instrument is silent on revocability, then most 

states consider the trust revocable.

Living Trust: A living person creates an inter vivos trust during that person’s lifetime. An inter vivos trust can be established as revocable or irrevocable. An 

inter vivos trust can be a simple, complex, or grantor trust depending on the trust 

instrument.

Testamentary Trust: A testamentary trust is created by a will, which begins its existence upon the death of the person making the will, when property is transferred 

from the decedent’s estate. Testamentary trusts are generally simple or complex 

trusts. A testamentary trust is irrevocable by definition, as it comes into being at the 

death of the grantor. A “trust under the will’ is the same as a testamentary trust.

Conservatorship: A trust, not an estate, which is usually set up for an incompetent 

person.

Guardianship/Custodianship: A trust usually set up for a minor.

Form(s):

Form 1041 U.S. Fiduciary Return of Income, plus other returns that apply (such as 

employment tax returns). 

You will need a new EIN if any of the following are true: 

• A trust changes to an estate 

• A living (inter vivos) trust changes to a testamentary trust 

• The revocable trust changes to an irrevocable trust

You will not need a new EIN if any of the following are true: 

• The trustee changes 

• The grantor or beneficiary changes his or her name or address. 

Note: Separate EINs are needed if one person is the grantor/maker of multiple 

trusts. For example, if you have a trust for each of your grandchildren, each trust 

must have a separate EIN and file a separate tax return. However, a single trust 

with several beneficiaries requires only one EIN. 
9

Employee Plans 

Definitions: 

Employee Benefit Plan: An employee benefit plan is a permanent arrangement 

under which an employer provides retirement or health benefits for employees. 

Some of these include: cafeteria plans, defined benefit plans, and defined contribution plans. The employer/sponsor and/or the plan administrator file the applicable 

returns. 

Plan Sponsor: The plan sponsor is the entity that establishes and maintains a benefits plan. The plan sponsor is usually an employer, but may also be an employee 

organization created for the purpose of offering benefits. If the plan is a “multi-employer plan,” the committee or other entity that established the plan is considered 

the plan sponsor.

Plan Administrator: The plan administrator is the person or company who handles 

day-to-day details of operating a health benefit or pension plan, such as processing claims for benefits, employer and employee contributions, record-keeping, and 

reports. The administrator is usually identified in the plan creation documents. 

Note: If you are reporting withholding on pension distributions, be sure to be 

consistent in using the same name and EIN for all reporting and depositing of 

taxes, i.e. Forms 945, 1099-R, and 8109/EFTPS. Filing Form 945 with an incorrect 

name or EIN or failure to use the same name and EIN in all reporting and depositing of taxes may result in penalties and delays in processing your return. 

Form(s): 

Employee plans usually file Form 5500 series returns plus other returns that apply 

(such as employment or excise taxes). The major employee plan forms are listed 

below.

Note: If the employer/sponsor entity already has an EIN, use that number on all 

Form 5500 series returns. 

• (electronic) Form 5500-SF, Short Form Annual Return/Report of Small Benefit 

Plan 

• Form 5500-C/R, Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan (with fewer than 100 

participants) 

• Form 5500-EZ, Annual Return of One-Participant (Owners and Their Spouses) 

Pension Benefit Plan 

• Form 1099-R, Distributions From Pensions, Annuities, Retirement or ProfitSharing Plans, IRAs, Insurance Contracts, etc. 

• Form 5304-SIMPLE, Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small 

Employers (SIMPLE) (Not Subject to the Designated Financial Institution Rules) 

• Form 5305-SEP, Simplified Employee Pension-Individual Retirement Accounts 

Contribution Agreement 

• Form 5305A-SEP, Salary Reduction and Other Elective Simplified Employee 

Pension-Individual Retirement Accounts Contribution Agreement 

• Form 5305-SIMPLE, Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees of Small 
10

Employers (SIMPLE) (for Use With a Designated Financial Institution) 

• Form 5329, Additional Taxes Attributable to IRAs, Other Qualified Retirement 

Plans, Annuities, Modified Endowment Contracts, and MSAs 

• Form 5330, Return of Excise Taxes Related to Employee Benefit Plans 

Note: For more information on employee plans, visit the Retirement Plans 

Community located on the IRS website at www.irs.gov, or call 1-800-TAX FORM, 

and ask for Package 5500.

Exempt Organizations 

Definitions: 

Tax Exempt Organization: A tax exempt organization is a non-profit organization 

that is exempt from certain taxes because it is described under Section 501 of the 

Internal Revenue Code. Certain organizations are required to apply to the Internal 

Revenue Service for a determination letter that grants them formal tax exemption, 

while other organizations are treated as tax exempt as long as they are organized 

and operated under an applicable section of the Code.

IRC Section 501(c)(3) Organization: This is an organization that is organized and 

operated exclusively for one or more of the following purposes: charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or 

international amateur sports competition (but only if none of its activities involve 

providing athletic facilities or equipment), or the prevention of cruelty to animals. 

To qualify, the organization must be a corporation, community chest, fund, unincorporated association, or foundation. A trust is a fund or foundation and will qualify. 

However, an individual or a partnership will not qualify. 

Organizations not required to apply for formal tax exempt status: Some organizations are treated as tax exempt under IRC Section 501(c)(3) without being required 

to file Form 1023, provided they are organized and operated appropriately. These 

include:

• Churches, interchurch organizations of local units of a church, conventions or 

associations of churches, or integrated auxiliaries of a church, such as a men’s or 

women’s organization, religious school, mission society, or youth group.

• Any organization (other than a private foundation) normally having annual grossreceipts of not more than $5,000.

Contributions to domestic 501(c)(3) organizations, except organizations testing for 

public safety, are generally deductible as charitable contributions on the donor’s 

federal income tax return. 

Private Foundation vs. Public Charity: Most organizations that are exempt from 

income tax under IRC Section 501(c)(3) are presumed to be private foundations, unless they notify the Internal Revenue Service within a specified period of time that 

they are not. In effect, the definition divides organizations into two classes, namely 

private foundations and public charities. There is an excise tax on the net investment 

income of most domestic private foundations. In addition, there are several other 

rules that apply.

See Publication 557 for a chart listing many other categories of exempt organizations. 
11

Organizations seeking formal recognition of their exempt status must generally file 

one of the applications listed below with the Internal Revenue Service and must pay 

the required user fee. Requests for exemption under subsections other than 501(c)

(3) must include Form 8718, User Fee for Exempt Organization Determination Letter 

Request. Requests should be sent to the address shown on Form 1023 and 

on Form 8718. To decide which application form listed below is needed for your 

organization, refer to Publication 557, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization. 

• Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)(3) of 

the Internal Revenue Code

• Form 1024, Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(a) for 

Determination Under Section 120 of the Internal Revenue Code

Note: All non-profit organizations must apply for an EIN before filing for exempt 

status. 

All publications and forms mentioned above are available for download from the 

IRS website, www.irs.gov, or by calling our toll-free number 1-800-TAX-FORM. 

Group Exemption Letter: A group exemption letter is a ruling or determination letter issued to a central organization recognizing, on a group basis, the exemption of 

subordinate organizations on whose behalf the central organization has applied for 

recognition of exemption. A central organization is an organization that has one or 

more subordinates under its control. A subordinate organization is a chapter, local, 

post, or unit of a central organization. 

Public Disclosure of Forms 990: Exempt organization Forms 990 are required to be 

made available to the public. Procedures for obtaining this information are found 

in Publication 557, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, and Form 4506A, Request for Public Inspection or Copy of Exempt or Political Organization. In addition, 

submitted Forms 990-N are made available on the IRS website, www.irs.gov. 

Unrelated Business Income: Even though an organization is recognized as taxexempt, it still may be liable for tax on its unrelated business income. Unrelated 

business income is income from a trade or business, regularly carried on, that is not 

substantially related to the charitable, educational, or other purpose that is the basis 

for the organization’s exemption. 

Form(s) 

Exempt organizations usually file a Form 990 series return plus other returns that 

apply (such as employment or excise tax returns). The exempt organization forms 

are listed below: 

• Form 990-N, e-Postcard

• Form 990, Return of Organizations Exempt From Income Tax 

• Form 990-EZ, Short Form Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 

• Form 990-BL, Information and Initial Excise Tax Return for Black Lung Benefit 

Trusts and Certain Related Persons 

• Form 990-PF, Return of Private Foundation or Section 4947(a)(1) Charitable Trusts 

Treated as a Private Foundation 

• Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return 
12

• Form 4720, Return of Certain Excise Taxes on Charities and Other Persons under 

Chapters 41 and 42 of the Internal Revenue Code 

• Form 5578, Annual Certification of Racial Nondiscrimination for a Private School 

Exempt from Federal Income Tax 

Annual information returns: Except for private foundations, which must file Form 

990-PF annually regardless of gross receipts, an exempt organization that normally 

has $25,000 or more in gross receipts must file an exempt organization information 

return Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, whether or not 

the organization has formal tax exempt status. Most organizations not required to 

file a Form 990/Form 990-EZ or Form 990-PF are required to submit a Form 990-N, 

e-Postcard, for tax years that began after December 31, 2006. Organizations exempted from this requirement are listed in Publication 557, Tax Exempt Status for Your 

Organization. Special filing rules apply to supporting organizations described in 

IRC section 509(a)(3). These rules can also be found in Publication 557.

Limited Liability Company (LLC) 

Definition: A limited liability company (LLC) is an entity formed under state or 

foreign law by filing articles of organization as an LLC. Unlike a partnership, none 

of the members of an LLC are personally liable for its debts.

LLC Tax Classification: Treas. Reg. Section 301.7701-3 provides guidance on classification for limited liability companies. Generally, if the business is an unincorporated business entity, and there are two or more owners, the entity can choose 

to be a partnership or a corporation. If an unincorporated business entity has only 

one owner, it can either elect to be a corporation or the entity can be disregarded. 

If an individual owns a disregarded entity, it is treated as a sole proprietorship. If 

a corporation owns a disregarded entity, it is treated as a division or branch of the 

corporation. See Form 8832, Entity Classification Election, for more details.

Note: While a single member entity, that does not elect corporate status, will 

default to a disregarded status for some federal tax purposes, it will not be disregarded for all federal tax purposes. For federal employment taxes (after January 1, 2009) and certain excise taxes (after January 1, 2008) it will be treated as a 

separate entity.

Single Member LLC:

A single member LLC generally has the following choices:

(1) File Form 8832 to be taxed as a corporation 

(2) If qualified, file Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation (Under 

Section 1362 of the Internal Revenue Code), to be taxed as an S corporation

(3) Be taxed (by default) as a disregarded entity

• If the single member is an individual, the LLC will be taxed as a sole 

proprietorship

• If the single member is a business entity, the LLC will be taxed as a division of the 

corporation 

Multiple Member LLC:

A multiple member LLC generally has the following choices:
13

(1) File Form 8832 to be taxed as a corporation 

(2) If qualified, file Form 2553 to be taxed as an S-Corporation 

(3) Be taxed (by default) as a partnership 

Note: A husband and wife, who are owners of an LLC, and share in the profits of 

such, can file as a single member if they reside in a Community Property State 

(Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas, Washington, 

or Wisconsin). Publication 555, Community Property, contains additional information on Community Property laws.

If you are organized as a limited liability company and require an EIN, please 

refer to the instructions for Form SS-4 for information on completing the form 

or apply online using the Internet EIN application available at www.irs.gov and 

select “Limited Liability Company” as the type of entity you are establishing.

Employment and Excise Taxes 

Employment Taxes 

Definition: 

If you have one or more employees, you will generally be required to withhold 

federal income tax from their wages. You also may be subject to social security and 

Medicare taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) and federal 

unemployment tax under the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA). 

If you are required to report employment taxes or give tax statements to employees 

or annuitants, you need an employer identification number (EIN). 

Form(s): 

Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax are usually reported on Form 

941, Employer’s QUARTERLY Federal Tax Return. The exceptions are: 

• If your employees are agricultural workers, file Form 943, Employer’s Annual Tax 

Return for Agricultural Employees.

• If your yearly employment taxes will be $1,000 or less (average annual wages of 

$4,000 or less) you may file Form 944, Employer’s ANNUAL Federal Tax Return, 

rather than Form 941, Employer’s QUARTERLY Federal Tax Return. Do not file 

Form 944 unless the IRS has notified you of this requirement.

• If your employee(s) does household work in your private, non-farm home (for 

example, child care, housekeeping, or gardening work) attach Schedule H, 

Household Employment Taxes, to your Form 1040. 

Note: Employers must report and pay required employment taxes for household 

domestic employees on Schedule H attached to Forms 1040 or 1040A. While 

withheld amounts no longer have to be deposited on a monthly basis, employers 

do need an employer identification number (EIN) to include on Form W-2 and 

Schedule H.

Non-payroll items, including backup withholding and withholding for pensions, 

annuities, IRAs, and gambling winnings are reported on Form 945, Annual Return 

of Withheld Federal Income Tax. The return is due January 31 of the following year.
14

Report Federal Unemployment Tax on Form 940, Employer’s Annual Federal 

Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return.

Excise Taxes 

Definition: 

Excise tax is a tax on the manufacture, sale, or consumption of a specific 

commodity. Examples are: fuel taxes, environmental taxes, and communications 

and air transportation taxes. 

Form(s): 

Most excise taxes are reported on Form 720, Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return. 

Certain excise taxes are reported on different forms and to other organizations. 

Those excise taxes and forms are: 

• Form 2290, Highway Use Tax 

• Form 730, Tax on Wagering 

• Form 11-C, Occupational Tax Return and Application for Registry-Wagering 

• TTB Form 5300.26, Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax Return, and Special Tax 

Registration and Return, TTB Form 5630.5

How to Apply for an EIN 

You can apply for an EIN online, by fax, or mail depending on how soon you need 

to use the EIN 

Apply Online 

Note: This is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service at

www.irs.gov. Beware of websites on the internet that charge for this free service.

The internet is the preferred method to use when applying for an EIN. Visit the IRS 

website at www.irs.gov (keyword “EIN”) and check out the Interview-style online 

EIN application. The application includes embedded help topics and hyperlinked 

keywords and definitions so separate instructions aren’t needed. The information 

you submit is validated during the online session. Once you’ve completed the application, you will receive your EIN immediately. You can then download, save, and 

print your confirmation notice. (This feature is not available to Third Party Designees.) The online application is fast, free, and user-friendly!

The application is available during the following hours:

Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern time

The online application 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. Additionally, 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.
15

Apply by Fax 

You can receive your EIN by fax within four (4) business days. Fax your completed 

Form SS-4 to the fax number listed for your state under “Where to Apply” in this 

publication. The fax number is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Be sure to 

provide your fax number so that an IRS representative can fax the EIN back to you. 

Do not fax an application and also call the EIN toll-free number for the same entity 

because a duplicate EIN may be assigned. By using this method, you are authorizing IRS to fax your EIN without a cover sheet. 

Apply by Mail

You can receive your EIN by mail within about four (4) weeks. Ensure that the 

Form SS-4 contains all of the required information and mail the application to the 

address listed under “Where to Apply” in this publication. An EIN will be assigned 

and mailed to you. 

How to Complete Form SS-4, Application for an EIN

If you choose to apply online, you will not need a Form SS-4. Otherwise, you can 

download Form SS-4 and separate instructions by accessing the IRS website at 

www.irs.gov or call 1-800-TAX-FORM to request the form and instructions by mail. 

You can also visit your local IRS office.

Special Characters In Your Business Name:

The only special characters IRS systems can accept in a business name are: 1) alpha 

(A-Z), 2) numeric (0-9), 3) hyphen (-) and 4) ampersand (&). If the legal name of 

your business includes anything other than those listed above, you will need to 

decide how best to enter your business name into the online EIN application or on 

Form SS-4. 

If your legal name contains a symbol or character such as a “plus” symbol (+) or 

a period (.) you could spell out the symbol and leave a space. Jones.com could be 

submitted as Jones Dot Com or Jones Com. The backward (\) or forward (/) slash 

can be substituted with a hyphen (-). If your business name contains an apostrophe 

(‘), drop the apostrophe and do not leave a space. 

Third Party Designee:

No matter what method you use to apply, if a third party is making the application for 

an EIN, the taxpayer must authorize the third party to apply for and receive the EIN.

• A Third Party Designee (TPD) must complete his/her identifying information at 

the bottom of the Form SS-4.

• The Form SS-4 must be signed by the taxpayer for the TPD authorization to be 

valid.

• The Form SS-4 must be mailed or faxed to the appropriate Internal Revenue Service campus. See “Where to Apply” in this publication.

The designee’s authority terminates at the time the EIN is assigned and released to 

the designee. 
16

Read the instructions for Form SS-4. 

After reading the instructions, find your entity type (sole proprietor, corporation, 

partnership, etc.). 

Note: This is not an election for a tax classification. See Form 8832, Entity 

Classification Election, for tax classification information. 

The Internal Revenue Service has become aware that nominee individuals are being listed as principal officers, general partners, grantors, owners, and trustors in 

the Employer Identification Number (EIN) application process. A nominee is not 

one of these people. Rather, nominees are temporarily authorized to act on behalf 

of entities during the formation process. The use of nominees in the EIN application process prevents the IRS from gathering appropriate information on entity 

ownership, and has been found to facilitate tax non-compliance by entities and 

their owners. 

The IRS does not authorize the use of nominees to obtain EINs. All EIN applications (mail, fax, phone, electronic) must disclose the name and Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, ITIN, or EIN) of the true principal officer, general partner, 

grantor, owner or trustor. This individual or entity, which the IRS will call the 

“responsible party,” controls, manages, or directs the applicant entity and the disposition of its funds and assets.

Follow the line-by-line instructions below to complete Form SS-4 for 

your entity type.

Sole Proprietor/Individual

Line 1 Enter your first name, middle initial and last name exactly as it appears 

on your social security card. Do not use abbreviations or nicknames. 

Do not enter your business name on line 1.

Line 2 Enter your trade name or “doing business as” name, if any. 

Line 3 If you have a person designated to receive all of your IRS correspondence, enter that person’s name on this line. Otherwise, leave blank. 

Line 4a-b Enter your mailing address. If Line 3 (Care-Of) is completed, enter the 

address for the designated person. 

Lines 5a-b Enter the location address only if it is different from Lines 4a-b mailing 

address. Do not enter a PO Box here.

Line 6 Enter the county and state where your principal business is located.

Line 7a-b N/A

Line 8a N/A

Line 8b N/A

Line 8c N/A

Line 9a Check the “Sole Proprietor” box and enter your SSN (or ITIN) in the 

space provided.

Line 9b N/A
17

Line 10 Check only one box. If your reason for applying is not specifically listed, 

check the “Other” box and enter the reason. 

Line 11 Enter the date you first started or acquired your business. 

Line 12 Enter the last month of your accounting year or tax year (generally 

December (12) calendar year for a sole proprietor). 

Line 13 Enter the highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months 

(Agricultural, Household or Other). If none, enter 0 and skip to Line 16.

Line 14 If you expect your employment tax liability to be $1,000 or less in a full 

calendar year and want to file Form 944 annually instead of Forms 941 

quarterly check “Yes”. (To file Forms 941, check “No”.) 

Line 15 If your business has (or will have) employees enter the date the business began or will begin to pay wages (Month, Date, Year.) If you have 

no employees, leave blank. If the applicant is a withholding agent, enter 

date income will first be paid to nonresident alien.

Line 16 Check the one box that best describes the type of business you operate, 

i.e. construction, real estate, etc. If none of the boxes apply, check the 

“Other” box and specify type of business. Do not leave blank or enter 

“none”, or “N/A”. 

Line 17 Describe the applicant’s principal line of business in more detail than 

Line 16 such as, type of merchandise sold, specific construction product 

produced or service provided. Do not leave blank or enter “none” or 

“N/A”.

Line 18 If the applicant shown on line one (1) ever applied for and received an 

EIN previously, check “yes”. If “yes”, enter previous EIN on the line. 

Complete the Third Party Designee section only if you want to authorize the 

named individual to receive the EIN and answer questions about the completion of 

Form SS-4. You must also sign the application for the authorization to be valid.

Name and Title: Print your name and title. 

Telephone Number: Enter the telephone number where we can reach you if we 

have questions about your application. 

Signature: The sole proprietor must sign the application if the Third Party Designee 

section is completed. 

Corporation

Line 1 Enter the corporate name as it appears on the corporate charter. 

Line 2 Enter Doing Business as (DBA) name, only if different from Line 1.

Line 3 If you have a designated person to receive all of your IRS correspondence, enter that person’s name on this line. If none, leave blank .

Line 4a-b Enter your mailing address. If Line 3 (Care-Of) is completed, enter the 

address for the designated person to receive the tax information. 

Lines 5a-b Enter the business physical location, only if different from Lines 4a-b 

mailing address. Do not enter a PO Box here.
18

Line 6 Enter the county and state where principal business is located.

Line 7a Enter the first name, middle initial, and last name of responsible party. 

The responsible party will be a president, vice president or other principal officer of the corporation. 

Line 7b Enter the SSN or ITIN of the responsible party shown on Line 7a.

Line 8a N/A

Line 8b N/A

Line 9 Check the “Corporation” box, then write on the line the form number 

that you intend to file (ex: 1120). If you entered “1120S” after the checkbox, you must file Form 2553. See the Instructions for Form 2553.

Line 9b Enter the state or foreign country where you were incorporated.

Line 10 If your reason for applying is not specifically listed, check the “Other” 

box and enter the reason.

Line 11 Enter the date you first started or acquired your business. 

Line 12 Enter the last month of your accounting year or tax year. 

Line 13 Enter the highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months 

(Agricultural, Household or Other). If none, enter 0 and skip to Line 16.

Line 14 If you expect your employment tax liability to be $1,000 or less in a full 

calendar year and want to file Form 944 annually instead of Forms 941 

quarterly check “Yes”. (To file Forms 941, check “No”.) 

Line 15 If your business has (or will have) employees enter the date the business began or will begin to pay wages (Month, Date, Year). If you have 

no employees, leave blank. If the applicant is a withholding agent, enter 

date income will first be paid to nonresident alien.

Line 16 Check one box that best describes the type of business you operate (i.e. 

construction, real estate, etc..) If none of the listed boxes applies, check 

the “Other” box and write your specific type of business. Do not leave 

blank or enter “none” or “N/A”. 

Line 17 Describe the applicant’s principal line of business in more detail (such 

as, type of merchandise sold, specific construction work, product 

produced or service provided). Do not leave blank or enter “none” or 

“N/A”. 

Line 18 If the applicant shown on line one (1) ever previously applied for and 

received an EIN, check “yes”. If “yes”, enter previous EIN on the line. 

Complete the Third Party Designee section only if you want to authorize the 

named individual to receive the EIN and answer questions about the completion of 

Form SS-4. You must also sign the application for the authorization to be valid.

Name and Title: Print your name and title. 

Telephone Number: Enter the telephone number where we can reach you if we 

have questions about your application. 

Signature: The president, vice president, or other principal officer must sign the 

application if the Third Party Designee section is completed. 
19

Note: If you wish to elect S-corporation status, you must file Form 2553, Election 

by a Small Business Corporation. 

Partnership 

Line 1 Enter the name of the partnership as it appears in the 

partnership agreement. 

Line 2 Enter trade name or “doing business as” name, if different from line 1. 

Line 3 If you have a person designated to receive all of your IRS correspondence, enter that person’s name on this line. If none, leave blank. 

Lines 4a-b Enter your mailing address. If Line 3 (Care-Of) is completed, enter the 

address of the designated person. 

Lines 5a-b Enter the business physical location only if different from Lines 4a-b. Do 

not enter PO Box here. 

Line 6 Enter the county and state where principal business is located.

Line 7a Enter the first name, middle initial, last name of the responsible party. 

The responsible party is a general partner of the partnership. 

Line 7b Enter the SSN, ITIN or EIN of the responsible party shown on Line 7a.

Line 8a N/A

Line 8b N/A

Line 8c N/A

Line 9a Check the “Partnership” box.

Line 9b N/A

Line 10 Check only one box. If your reason is not specifically listed, check the 

“Other” box and enter the reason. 

Line 11 Enter the date you first started or acquired your business. 

Line 12 Enter the last month of your accounting year or tax year. 

Line 13 Enter the highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months 

(Agricultural, Household or Other). If none, enter 0 and skip to Line 16.

Line 14 If you expect your employment tax liability to be $1,000 or less in a full 

calendar year and want to file Form 944 annually instead of Forms 941 

quarterly check “Yes”. (To file Forms 941, check “No”.)

Line 15 If your business has (or will have) employees enter the date the business 

began or will begin to pay wages (Month, Date, Year). If you have no 

employees leave blank. If the Applicant is a withholding agent, enter 

date income will first be paid to nonresident alien.

Line 16 Check one box that best describes the type of business you operate (i.e., 

construction, real estate, etc.). If none of the boxes apply, check the 

“Other” box and specify type of business. Do not leave blank or enter 

“none”, or “N/A”. 
20

Line 17 Describe the applicant’s principal line of business in more detail (type 

of merchandise sold, specific construction work, product produced or 

service provided). Do not leave blank or enter “none” or “N/A”. 

Line 18 If the applicant shown on line one (1) ever applied for and received an 

EIN previously, check “yes”. If “yes” enter previous EIN on the line. 

Complete the Third Party Designee section only, if you want to authorize the 

named individual to receive the EIN and answer questions about the completion of 

Form SS-4. You must also sign the application for the authorization to be valid.

Name and Title: Print your name and title. 

Telephone Number: Enter the telephone number where we can reach you if we 

have questions about your application. 

Signature: A responsible and duly authorized member or officer having knowledge 

of the partnership’s affairs must sign the application if the Third Party Designee 

section is completed. 

Trust 

Line 1 Enter the exact name of the trust as it appears on the trust instrument. 

Line 2 N/A

Line 3 Enter the name of the trustee. 

Line 4a-b Enter mailing address of the trustee, where all IRS correspondence will 

be mailed. 

Lines 5a-b Enter the physical location of the trustee, only if different from Lines 

4a-b mailing address. 

Line 6 Enter the county and state where the trust is located. 

Line 7a Enter the name of the responsible party. This will be the grantor, owner 

or trustor. 

Line 7b Enter the SSN, ITIN or EIN of the person shown on Line 7a.

Line 8a N/A

Line 8b N/A

Line 8c N/A

Line 9a Check “Trust” and enter the SSN, ITIN, or EIN of the grantor.

Line 9b N/A

Line 10 Check the “Created a Trust” box. 

Line 11 Enter the date the trust was funded. 

Line 12 Enter the last month of your accounting year or tax year. Generally, a 

trust must adopt a calendar year, except for the following trusts: taxexempt trusts, charitable trusts, and grantor-owned trusts. 

Line 13 Enter the highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months 

(Agricultural, Household or Other). If none, enter 0 and skip to Line 16.
21

Line 14 If you expect your employment tax liability to be $1,000 or less in a full 

calendar year and want to file Form 944 annually instead of Forms 941 

quarterly check “Yes”. (To file Forms 941, check “No”.) 

Line 15 If your business has (or will have) employees enter the date the business began, or will begin, to pay wages (Month, Date, Year). If you have 

no employees leave blank. If the applicant is a withholding agent, enter 

date income will first be paid to nonresident alien.

Line 16 Check the “Finance & Insurance” box. 

Line 17 Enter “Trust Administration”. 

Line 18 If the applicant shown on line one (1) ever applied for and received an 

EIN previously, check “yes”. If “yes”, enter previous EIN on the line. 

Complete Third Party Designee section only if you want to authorize the named 

individual to receive the EIN and answer questions about the completion of Form 

SS-4. You must also sign the application for the authorization to be valid.

Name and Title: Print your name and title. 

Telephone Number: Enter the telephone number where we can reach you if we 

have questions about your application. 

Signature: The trustee or other authorized fiduciary must sign the application, if 

the Third Party Designee section is completed.

GNMA POOLS (Governmental National Mortgage Association) 

Note: The EIN Stays with the “GNMA Pool” if it is traded from one financial 

institution to another. 

Line 1 Enter the pool number. Do not enter leading zeros. For example, enter 

GNMA 00979 as GNMA 979

Line 2 N/A

Line 3 Enter the name of the trustee.

Line 4a-b Enter the mailing address. This is the address where all IRS correspondence will be sent. 

Lines 5a-b Enter only if different from the mailing address.

Line 6 Enter the county and state where the GNMA Pool is located.

Line 7a-b N/A 

Line 8a N/A

Line 8b N/A

Line 8c N/A

Line 9a Check “Trust” and enter the TIN of the grantor.

Line 9b N/A 

Line 10 Check the “Other” box and enter “GNMA Pool”. 
22

Line 11 Enter the date the “GNMA Pool” was created. 

Line 12 Enter 12 for the last month of your accounting year. 

Line 13 Enter the highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months 

(Agricultural, Household or Other). If none, enter 0 and skip to Line 16.

Line 14 If you expect your employment tax liability to be $1,000 or less in a full 

calendar year and want to file Form 944 annually instead of Forms 941 

quarterly check “Yes”. (To file Forms 941, check “No”.) .

Line 15 If your business has (or will have) employees enter the date the business 

began or will begin to pay wages (Month, Date, Year). If you have no 

employees, leave blank. 

Line 16 Check the “Finance & Insurance” box. 

Line 17 Enter “GNMA”.

Line 18 If the applicant entity shown on line one (1) ever applied for and 

received an EIN previously, check “yes”. If “yes”, enter previous EIN 

on the line. 

Complete the Third Party Designee section only if you want to authorize the 

named individual to receive the EIN and answer questions about the completion of 

this form. You must also sign the application for the authorization to be valid.

Name and Title: Print your name and title of the fiduciary. 

Telephone Number: Enter the telephone number where we can reach you if we 

have questions about your application. 

Signature: The trustee or other authorized fiduciary must sign the application if the 

Third Party Designee Section is completed.

Estate

Line 1 Enter the first name, middle initial and last name of the decedent,

 followed by “Estate”.

Line 2 N/A 

Line 3 Enter the name of the executor, administrator, or other fiduciary. 

Lines 4a-b Enter the mailing address. This is the address where all IRS correspondence will be sent. 

Lines 5a-b Enter only if different from the mailing address on Lines 4a-b. 

Line 6 Enter the county and state where the will is probated. 

Line 7a-b N/A 

Line 8a N/A

Line 8b N/A

Line 8c N/A

Line 9a Check “Estate” and enter the SSN of the decedent on the line provided.

Line 9b N/A
23

Line 10 Check the “Other” box and enter “Estate Administration”. 

Line 11 Enter the date the estate was funded. 

Line 12 Enter the last month of your accounting year or tax year. 

Line 13 Enter the highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months 

(Agricultural, Household or Other). If none, enter 0 and skip to Line 16. 

Line 14 If you expect your employment tax liability to be $1,000 or less in a full 

calendar year and want to file Form 944 annually instead of Forms 941 

quarterly check “Yes”. (To file Forms 941, check “No”.)

 Line 15 If the estate has (or will have) employees enter the date the estate will 

begin to pay wages (Month, Date, Year) If no employees, leave blank. 

Line 16 Check the “Finance & Insurance” box. 

Line 17 Enter “Estate Administration”. 

Line 18 If the applicant shown on line one (1) ever previously applied for and 

received an EIN, check “yes”. If “yes” enter previous EIN on the line. 

Complete the Third Party Designee section only if you want to authorize the 

named individual to receive the EIN and answer questions about the completion of 

this form. You must also sign the application for the authorization to be valid. 

Name and Title: Print the name and title of the fiduciary. 

Telephone Number: Enter the telephone number where we can reach you if we 

have questions about your application. 

Signature: The fiduciary must sign the application if the Third Party Designee 

section is completed.

Note: If you use an estate to create a trust, the trust is considered a different entity 

type and a new EIN is needed. 

Plan Administrators 

Note: If the plan administrator already has an EIN, use that number. A new EIN 

is not needed. 

Line 1 Enter the name of the plan administrator. 

Line 2 N/A 

Line 3 If you have a person designated to receive all of your IRS correspondence, enter that person’s name on this line. If none, leave blank. 

Line 4a-b Enter the mailing address. This is the address where all IRS correspondence will be sent. 

Line 5a-b Enter only if different from Lines 4a-b mailing address.

Line 6 Enter the county and state where the employee plan is located.

Line 7a-b N/A 

Line 8a N/A

Line 8b N/A.
24

Line 8c N/A.

Line 9a Check “Plan Administrator”. If the plan administrator is an individual, 

enter the plan administrator’s SSN or ITIN in the space provided. Otherwise enter the EIN. 

Line 9b If you are a corporation, enter the state or foreign country where you 

were incorporated

Line 10 If your reason is not specifically listed, check the “Other” box and enter 

the reason. 

Line 11 Enter the date you first started or acquired your business.

Line 12 Enter the last month of your accounting year or tax year. Enter the highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months.

Line 13 Enter the highest (Agricultural, Household or Other). If none, enter 0 

and skip to Line 16.

Line 14 If you expect your employment tax liability to be $1,000 or less in a full 

calendar year and want to file Form 944 annually instead of Forms 941 

quarterly check “Yes”. (To file Forms 941, check “No”.) 

Line 15 If your business has (or will have) employees enter the date the business began or will begin to pay wages (Month, Date, Year.) If you have 

no employees leave blank. If the applicant is a withholding agent, enter 

date income will first be paid to nonresident alien.

Line 16 Check the “Finance & Insurance” box. 

Line 17 Enter “Plan Administration”. 

Line 18 If the applicant shown on line one (1) ever previously applied for and 

received an EIN, check “yes:. If “yes”, enter previous EIN on the line.

Complete the Third Party Designee section only if you want to authorize the 

named individual to receive the EIN and answer questions about the completion of 

this form. You must also sign the application for the authorization to be valid.

Name and Title: Print the plan administrator’s name and title. 

Telephone Number: Enter the telephone number where we can reach you if we 

have questions about your application. 

Signature: A responsible and duly authorized member or officer with the knowledge of plan’s affairs must sign if the Third Party Designee section is completed. 

Employee Plans 

Line 1 Enter the name of the plan. 

Line 2 N/A 

Line 3 Enter the name of the trustee. 

Line 4a-b Enter the mailing address. This is the address where all IRS correspondence will be sent. 

Lines 5a-b Enter only if different from the mailing address. 

Line 6 Enter the county and state where the employee plan is located.
25

Line 7a-b Enter the name of responsible party for the plan and SSN, ITIN or EIN. 

Line 8a N/A

Line 8b N/A 

Line 8c N/A.

Line 9a Check “Other” and specify “Employee Plan”.

Line 9b N/A

Line 10 Check “Created a Pension Plan”. 

Line 11 Enter the date you first started or acquired your Employee plan.

Line 12 Enter the last month of your accounting year or tax year. 

Line 13 N/A

Line 14 N/A 

Line 15 N/A

Line 16 Check the “Finance & Insurance” box.

Line 17 Enter “Employee Plan”.

Line 18 If the applicant shown on line one (1) ever previously applied for and 

received an EIN, check “yes”. If “yes”, enter previous EIN on the line. 

Complete the Third Party Designee section only if you want to authorize the 

named individual to receive the EIN and answer questions about the completion of 

this form. You must also sign the application for the authorization to be valid.

Name and Title: Print your name and title.

Telephone Number: Enter the telephone number where we can reach you if we 

have questions about your application. 

Signature: A responsible and duly authorized member or officer with knowledge of 

the plan’s affairs must sign if there is a Third Party Designee. 

Exempt Organizations 

Line 1 Enter the legal name of the exempt organization. 

Line 2 N/A 

Line 3 Enter the name of the responsible party for the organization. 

Line 4a-b Enter the mailing address. This is the address where all IRS correspondence will be sent. 

Lines 5a-b Enter only if different from the mailing address in 4a and 4b. 

Line 6 Enter the county and state where the exempt organization is located. 

Line 7a-b Enter the name and SSN or ITIN of a responsible and duly authorized 

member or officer of the exempt organization. 

Line 8a N/A.

Line 8b N/A
26

Line 8c N/A

Line 9a Check only one box. If you check “other”, enter the specific reason for 

applying.

Line 9b If you are a corporation, enter the State or Foreign Country where you 

were incorporated. 

Line 10 If your reason is not specifically listed, check the “Other” box and enter 

the reason. 

Line 11 Enter the date you first started or acquired your organization. 

Line 12 Enter the last month of your accounting year or tax year. 

Line 13 Enter the highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months 

(Agricultural, Household or Other). If none, enter 0 and skip to Line 16.

Line 14 If you expect your employment tax liability to be $1,000 or less in a full 

calendar year and want to file Form 944 annually instead of Forms 941 

quarterly check “Yes”. (To file Forms 941, check “No”.)

Line 15 If your business has (or will have) employees enter the date the business 

began or will begin to pay wages (Month, Date, Year.) If you have no 

employees, leave blank. If the applicant is a withholding agent, enter 

date income will first be paid to nonresident alien. 

Line 16 Check one box that best describes the type of business you operate 

(construction, real estate, etc.). If none of the listed boxes apply, check 

the “Other” box and write your specific type of business. Do not leave 

blank or enter “none” or “N/A”. 

Line 17 Describe the applicant’s principal line of business in more detail (type 

of merchandise sold, specific construction work, product produced or 

service provided). Do not leave blank or enter “none” or “N/A”. 

Line 18 If the applicant shown on line one (1) ever previously applied for and 

received an EIN, check “Yes”. If “yes”, enter previous EIN on the line.

Complete the Third Party Designee section only if you want to authorize the 

named individual to receive the EIN and answer questions about the completion of 

this form. You must also sign the application for the authorization to be valid.

Name and Title: Print your name and title. 

Telephone Number: Enter the telephone number where we can reach you if we 

have questions about your application. 

Signature: A responsible and duly authorized member or officer having knowledge 

of the exempt organization’s affairs must sign the application if there is a Third 

Party Designee. 
27

Bankruptcy (Individual) 

Bankruptcy proceedings begin with the filing of a petition with the bankruptcy 

court. The filing of the petition creates a bankruptcy estate, which generally consists 

of all the assets of the person filing the bankruptcy petition. A separate taxable 

entity is created if the bankruptcy petition is filed by an individual under Chapter 7 

or Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

Note: A married couple who file a joint bankruptcy petition require separate EINs 

for federal tax purposes.

Line 1 Enter the first name, middle initial and last name of the individual who 

has filed the bankruptcy petition followed by “Bankruptcy Estate”. 

Line 2 N/A 

Line 3 Enter the name of the receiver, debtor in possession, or bankruptcy 

trustee.

Line 4a-b Enter the trustee or receiver’s mailing address. 

Line 5a-b Enter only if different from the mailing address. 

Line 6 Enter the county and state where the bankruptcy petition was filed. 

Line 7a-b Enter the name and SSN (or ITIN) of the bankrupt individual. 

Line 8a N/A.

Line 8b N/A.

Line 8c N/A.

Line 9a Check “Other” and write in “individual bankruptcy”, “receivership”, or 

“debtor in possession”. 

Line 9b N/A

Line 10 Check “Other” and write in “bankruptcy”, “receivership”, or “debtor in 

possession”.

Line 11 Enter the date the bankruptcy estate was created. 

Line 12 Enter the last month of your accounting year or tax year. 

Line 13 N/A

Line 14 N/A

Line 15 N/A

Line 16 Check the “Other” box and write in “Bankruptcy”. 

Line 17 Enter “Bankruptcy”. 

Line 18 If the applicant shown on line one (1) ever previously applied for and 

received an EIN, check “yes”. If “yes”, enter previous EIN on the line. 

Complete Third Party Designee section only if you want to authorize the named 

individual to receive the EIN and answer questions about the completion of this 

form. You must also sign the application for the authorization to be valid.

Name and Title: Print your name and title. 
28

Telephone Number: Enter the telephone number where we can reach you if we 

have questions about your application. 

Signature: The bankruptcy trustee, receiver, or debtor in possession must sign the 

application if there is a Third Party Designee. 

Bankruptcy (Corporation or Partnership) 

A separate taxable estate is not created when a partnership or corporation files a 

bankruptcy petition. The court appointed trustee is, however, responsible for filing 

the regular income tax returns on Form 1065 or Form 1120. 

If you are a bankrupt/liquidated corporation or partnership, you do not need a new 

EIN. Send the name of the trustee/receiver of the bankruptcy to your IRS service 

center so we can add that information to your existing EIN account. 

EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) 

Start your business off right. A Secure Way to Pay All Your Federal Taxes

EFTPS is a tax payment system provided free by the U.S. Department of Treasury. 

Pay federal taxes electronically - on-line or by phone 24/7. Businesses and Individuals can pay all their federal taxes using EFTPS. Individuals can pay their quarterly 

1040ES estimated taxes electronically using EFTPS, and they can make payments 

weekly, monthly, or quarterly as well as schedule payments for the entire year in 

advance.

To enroll or for more information online, visit the EFTPS website at https://www.

eftps.gov/eftps/, or to receive an enrollment form, call EFTPS Customer Service:

• 1-800-555-4477 (for Business payments)

• 1-800-316-6541 (for Individual payments)

• 1-800-733-4829 (TDD Hearing-Impaired)

• 1-800-244-4829 (Español)

• 1-800-555-8778 (EFTPS Online)
29

Where to Apply for an EIN (Mail or Fax):

If your principal business, office or 

agency, or legal residence in the case of 

an individual, is located in:

One of the 50 states or the District of 

Columbia

If you have no legal residence, principal 

place of business, or principal office 

oragency in any state:

Applications submitted by mail will be processed within 4 to 6 weeks.

Applications submitted by fax will be processed within 4 business days.

If you have not been notified of your EIN assignment within the normal processing 

timeframe, please call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 for 

assistance.

If you have not received your EIN by the time you need to file a return, write: 

“Applied For” in the space provided for the EIN. 

File or fax with the “Internal Revenue 

Service Center” at:

Attn: EIN Operation Cincinnati, 

OH 45999 Fax-TIN: 

855-641-6935

Attn: EIN International Operation 

Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: 855-215-1627 (wihin the U.S.)

Fax: 304-704-9471 (outside the U.S.)
30

Avoiding Common EIN Problems

• If you wish to elect to be taxed as an S corporation, you must file Form 2553, 

Election by a Small Business Corporation (Under Section 1362 of the Internal Revenue Code).

• An association, limited liability company (LLC) or other organization that elects to 

be taxed as a corporation must file Form 8832, Entity Classification Election.

• Remember to always include your SSN, EIN, or ITIN on Line 7b of Form SS-4.

• Always use the full legal name you entered on Form SS-4, line 1 and the EIN 

given to you, consistently on all business tax returns you file with the IRS.

• If you change your address and/or you change the responsible party for the 

entity after you receive your EIN, you must use Form Form 8822-B, Change of 

Address or Responsible Party - Business, to notify the IRS of the new address. 

• If you change your business name after you receive your EIN, write to us at the 

address where you file your tax return. The request to change your business 

name must be signed by an authorized person. Additionally, partnerships and 

corporations must include a copy of the Articles of Amendment that were filed 

with the state that authorized the name change.

• If the U.S. Postal Service doesn’t deliver mail to your street address and you have 

a P.O. Box, show the P.O. Box number as the entity’s mailing address instead of 

the street address. 
31
32
33
34

Publication 1635 (Rev. 2-2014) Catalog Number 14332X 

Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service www.irs.gov