Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An employer identification number (EIN) is a nine-digit number used to identify a business entity. It is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An EIN is also known as a federal tax identification number. Estates, trusts, partnerships, and corporations that have income to report may use an EIN. Applying online for an EIN is a free service offered by the IRS. You can get your EIN immediately.
Finding a Company’s EIN
To find a company’s EIN, you should ask the company directly. You can also verify a nonprofit’s EIN on the IRS Exempt Organization website. The site confirms whether organizations have valid EINs and are in good standing with the IRS.
Company ID versus EIN
Is a company ID number the same as an EIN? An employer identification number (EIN) is a nine-digit ID used to identify a business entity. An EIN is issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Estates, trusts, partnerships, and corporations that have income to report may use an EIN. You can apply for an EIN before starting a business. While not all businesses need an EIN, getting one can help you file business taxes on time and avoid penalties.