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Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Use Form SS-4 to apply for an EIN. An EIN is a nine-digit number (for example, 12-3456789) assigned to employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts, certain individuals, and other entities for tax filing and reporting purposes. The information you provide on this form will establish your business tax account.

Caution: An EIN is for use in connection with your business activities only. Do not use your EIN in place of your social security number (SSN).

How To Apply

You can apply for an EIN online, by telephone, by fax, or by mail, depending on how soon you need to use the EIN. Use only one method for each entity so you do not receive more than one EIN for an entity.


Current Products

Form SS-4
Instructions for Form SS-4 (HTML)

Formulario SS-4PR, Solicitud de Número de Identificación Patronal (EIN)
Instrucciones para el Formulario SS-4PR (HTML)


Recent Developments

Caution for Form SS-4 and Instructions for Form SS-4 Limit of one (1) Employer Identification Number (EIN) Issuance per Business Day -- 18-MAY-2012

Change of Hours for Most IRS Toll-free Numbers Listed in Certain Tax Form Instructions and Publications -- 26-JAN-2012


Other Items You May Find Useful:

Publication 966, The Secure Way to Pay Your Federal Taxes for Business and Individual Taxpayers

Publication 1635, Understanding Your EIN

Other Items Related to Form SS-4

Other Current Products


Comment on Form SS-4

Send us an email or use the Comment on Tax Forms and Publications web submission form to provide us feedback on the content of the products we give you to help you comply with tax law.

Caution: If you have a tax-related question, please go to Help With Tax Questions or call our toll-free number at 1-800-829-1040 (Individuals) or 1-800-829-4933 (Business). We cannot respond to tax-related questions submitted from this page.

Although we cannot respond individually to each email, we do appreciate your feedback and will consider your comments as we revise our tax products.

Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 2012-08-04