An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business.
Methods of Application
You can apply for an EIN for free in four ways: online, by phone, by fax or by mail.
- Online: Go to the IRS EIN Online page. You will have 15 minutes to fill out the form. If not completed in 15 minutes, your session will end and you’ll need to start over.
- By Phone: Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933, open 7:00am to 7:00pm local time, Monday through Friday, or the IRS at 267-941-1099 Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
- By Fax: Send your completed SS4 form to 304-707-9471.
- By Mail: Submit the SS4 form to the appropriate mailing address provided by the IRS.
If you are not a U.S. citizen or resident, you must use the SS4 form instead of the online method.
State Tax ID and Other Information
An EIN is required to register your business in Alabama. It is separate from your state tax ID number, which you use to pay Alabama business taxes. To get a state tax ID number, register through My Alabama Taxes. It takes 3-5 days to receive your tax account number after registering.
If your EIN is not shown on your previously filed tax return, call the IRS at 800-829-4933 to ask them to search for your EIN during their business hours.
Cost and Additional Services
An EIN will never expire once assigned, and obtaining one in Alabama is free of charge. Websites that charge for this service should be avoided.
If an LLC has workers or needs to submit excise tax forms, an EIN is required.
In summary, to obtain your Alabama Tax ID Number or EIN:
- Prepare required information.
- Apply through the available methods (online, by phone, mail, or fax).
Finally, applying for an EIN is a free service provided by the IRS. Use caution and avoid any websites that charge for this service.