Write a letter to the IRS informing the agency of the change if you have already filed a return for the current year. You may wish to visit the Business Name Change page to find out what actions are required if you change the name of your business. If you need acknowledgement of the name change, please ask for one to be sent.
You can also change your address anytime by completing Form 8822. It is your responsibility to keep your records up to date with the IRS.
Business owners and other authorized individuals can submit a name change for their business. If the EIN was recently assigned and filing liability has yet to be determined, send Business Name Change requests to the IRS address where you file your return.
Authorized Individual Chart
Follow the chart to determine who the authorized individual is to make the business name change for your type of business.
EIN and Business Name Changes
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Can you change the name on an existing EIN?
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How many EIN can one person have?
- For Sole Proprietors: one EIN.
- For other entities: no limits.
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Do self-employed need an EIN?
Most sole proprietors don’t need to obtain an EIN and can use their Social Security numbers instead. -
Does each business need its own EIN?
Generally, businesses need a new EIN when their ownership or structure has changed.
Does changing business name affect EIN?
Under most circumstances, changing your business name with the IRS will not require a new EIN—though it will require an EIN name change.
Do I have to notify the IRS of a name change?
Report any change to the Social Security Administration before you file your tax return.
Changing Name on EIN Number
How do I change my name on my EIN number?
The process typically takes up to several weeks to make an EIN name change.
Correcting Incorrect Name
How do I correct an incorrect name for my EIN?
Write a letter to the IRS informing the agency of the change and complete Form 8822 for address changes.
EIN Consistency and Timeframes
Does EIN have to match name?
Banks and others may require EIN information for various purposes.
How long does it take the IRS to catch a mistake?
The IRS won’t usually review beyond two years.
Addressing Discrepancies
If the EIN is correct but not the name of the employer and you haven’t filed yet, you can change the Employer name/address.
How do I change the name on my EIN?
If the EIN was recently assigned send Business Name Change requests to the designated IRS address.