EIN
A nine-digit IRS-issued tax identification number for U.S. business entities, equivalent to a Social Security Number for a company.
The Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the IRS's tax ID for businesses, formatted XX-XXXXXXX. It is required to open a U.S. business bank account, hire employees, file federal tax returns, and onboard most payment processors. Non-residents apply via Form SS-4, faxed or mailed to the IRS — online application requires an SSN or ITIN. Wait time for non-resident fax application is currently 4–6 weeks; expedited services typically resolve in 5–10 business days.
Also known asEmployer Identification Number, Federal Tax ID, FEIN
Related terms
- ITIN — A nine-digit IRS-issued tax identification number for individuals not eligible for a Social Security Number.…
- Form 1120 — The U.S. corporate income tax return; for foreign-owned single-member LLCs, a pro-forma Form 1120 must be file…
- Form 5472 — The IRS information return required from any U.S. corporation or foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity with a …
- LLC — A U.S. legal-entity form combining the limited liability of a corporation with the pass-through taxation of a …
- KYB — The verification process U.S. financial institutions perform on a legal entity (LLC, corporation, partnership)…