Incorporation 101: Federal Employer Identification Number.

What Is Employer ID Number?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is used to identify a business for tax purposes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An EIN is similar to a social security number for your business.

Every business, except for certain sole proprietorships that do not have any employees, should have such EIN. Certain nonprofit organizations such as churches, clubs, trusts, and estates, and others, must also have an EIN.

A business is required to obtain a Federal Employer ID Number if it hires employees or meets other IRS guidelines. In addition, banks usually require businesses to obtain an Employer ID Number prior to opening a business bank account.

Other Names

EIN also known as the Tax Identification Number (TIN), Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), or Federal Tax Identification Number. The EIN is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to business entities operating in the United States for the purposes of identification.

Reasons for Getting New EIN

When the structure of the business or the ownership changes getting new EIN is often required. For example, when you change the type of your entity from corporation to LLC you will need a new EIN. It is important to consult with your accountant if your company needs to get new EIN in case you change the structure of the business or if you buy an existing company.

When New EIN Is Not Required?

• Following is a list of business events that do not require getting new EIN:

• You change the name of your business.

• You change your location and/or add other locations.

• You operate multiple businesses under one entity.

• The surviving corporation uses the existing EIN after a corporate merger.

• A corporation declares bankruptcy.

• A C-Corporation chooses to be taxed as an S-Corporation.

• An existing partnership converts to an LLC classified as a partnership.

• An LLC that already has an EIN chooses to be taxed as a C-Corporation or as an S-Corporation.

• A new LLC with one owner (single member LLC) is formed under state law, does not choose to be taxed as a corporation or S corporation, and has no employees or excise tax liability.

What If I Misplaced My EIN?

If you previously applied for and received an EIN for your business, but have since lost it, try the following actions to locate the number:

• Find the computer-generated notice that was issued by the IRS when you applied for your EIN. This notice is issued as a confirmation of your application for, and receipt of an EIN.

• If you used your EIN to open a bank account, or apply for any type of state or local license, you should contact the bank or agency to secure your EIN.

• Ask the IRS to search for your EIN by calling the Business and Specialty Tax Line.

Can I Cancel My EIN?

Once an EIN has been assigned to a business entity it becomes the permanent Federal Taxpayer Identification Number for that entity. Regardless of whether the EIN was used or not, it is never reused or reassigned to another business entity.

The IRS cannot cancel your EIN. However, if you receive an EIN but later determine you do not need it (for example, the new business never materialized), the IRS can close your business account. The EIN will still belong to the business entity and can be used at a later date, should the need arise.

EIN vs. Social Security Number (SSN)

EIN is similar to SSN, however unlike SSN that is assigned to individuals, EIN is assigned to legal entities that act as employers (hence the name). Examples of such entities are: sole proprietors, corporations, LLCs, partnerships, non-profit organizations, trusts and estates, government agencies, certain individuals and other business entities.

Individuals who are employers may choose to either obtain an EIN or use their Social Security Number for the purpose of reporting taxes withheld on behalf of their employees.