Federal business registration

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) or Federal Tax Identification Number, and is a unique nine digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to business entities for the purposes of identification. Generally, businesses need an EIN to pay employees and to file business tax returns etc.

NOTE: A sole proprietor without employees, may use their Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN) instead of an EIN. This is the only exception.

Apply for an EIN from the IRS either online, by fax, or by mail. To register online, use the IRS EIN Assistant. For fax or mail, review the IRS instructions for details. 

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

If you are not a resident of the US and do not have, or are not eligible for, a Social Security Number, you might need to get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Similar to the EIN, this ID number allows business owners to comply with US tax laws. Learn more about the ITIN or apply through the IRS.