An employer identification number (EIN) is a nine-digit number the IRS issues. Its format is 00-0000000. It is used to identify the tax accounts of employers and certain other organizations and entities that have no employees. Use your EIN on all the items you send to the IRS and SSA for your business.

If you have not asked for an EIN, request one on Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number. Form SS-4 contains information on how to apply for an EIN by mail or by telephone.

If you do not have an EIN by the time a return is due, enter "Applied For" and the date you applied in the space shown for the number. If you took over another employer's business, do not use that employer's EIN. Make your check for any amount due on a return payable to the "United States Treasury" and show on it your name (as shown on Form SS-4), address, kind of tax, period covered, and date you applied for an EIN.

You should have only one EIN. If you have more than one, notify the Internal Revenue Service Center where you file your return. List the EINs you have, the name and address to which each number was assigned, and the address of your principal place of business. The IRS will tell you which EIN to use.

For more information, see Pub. 1635, Understanding Your EIN, or Pub. 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records.

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