EIN Basics
A sole proprietor can only be issued one EIN. Other business entities can have an unlimited number of EINs.
Acquiring an EIN is an important step for your business. Having an EIN provides you with privacy. Disclosing your social security number may expose you to identity theft, whereas an EIN reduces this risk.
An EIN is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns in the format: XX-XXXXXXX. It identifies the tax accounts of employers and certain others with no employees.
Applying for Multiple EINs
To ensure fair treatment, the IRS issues only one EIN per responsible party per day. This limitation is applicable to all EIN requests.
It is not possible to use the same EIN for different entities or unrelated businesses. If you have multiple businesses taxed differently, they require separate EINs.
For Sole Proprietors, only one EIN can be issued. For all other entities, there are no limits on the number applying for new businesses.
If your business is a single entity with different divisions, it does not require each division to have its own EIN. One EIN can be used for the entire entity.
Businesses need a new EIN when their ownership or structure has changed. Although changing the name of your business does not require a new EIN, you may wish to visit the Business Name Change page for required actions.
EIN for Multiple Businesses and Name Changes
When you change your business name, you generally do not have to file for a new EIN. Instead, you submit an EIN name change.
An LLC requires an EIN for tax purposes. Therefore, you will be required to obtain an additional EIN number for each new legally distinct subsidiary, but not for new divisions, branches, offices, stores, or names.
What happens if I have 2 EIN numbers? If you have two EIN numbers, contact the IRS. They will likely tell you to use one number for your business dealings and disregard the other.
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. In some situations a name change may require a new EIN or a final return.
How to Apply for or Cancel an EIN
There’s no limit to how many EINs a responsible party may request for separate entities. To get an EIN, taxpayers must complete Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, and submit it to the IRS. Submit separate SS-4 forms for each additional EIN. None of the forms may be dated or filed on the same day.
To get numerous EINs swiftly, complete an online application. As you operate multiple companies, you may need to shut one down. In that case, you can read FAQs on how to cancel an EIN.