What is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number is your business's federal tax ID — required for almost every legal entity.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit federal tax ID the IRS issues to businesses. Think of it as a Social Security Number — but for your company.
What an EIN looks like
Two digits, a hyphen, and seven digits. Issued once by the IRS — never expires, never changes.
What you'll use it for
Six places your EIN comes up in the day-to-day of running a business.
Filing federal taxes
Used on every federal tax return, payroll filing, and information report.
Opening a business bank account
Banks require an EIN to open accounts in your business's name.
Hiring employees
Required to set up payroll and report wages to the IRS and state agencies.
Applying for business licenses
Most state and local licensing applications require an EIN on the form.
Building business credit
Vendors and credit bureaus use your EIN to track your business's credit history.
Accepting online payments
Stripe, PayPal, and most payment processors require an EIN for business accounts.
Do I need an EIN?
Almost certainly yes — but here's the precise rule.
You formed an LLC, Corporation, or Partnership
You hire (or plan to hire) any employees
You file employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms tax returns
You have a Keogh or Solo 401(k) retirement plan
You're a sole proprietor with no employees and only file Schedule C
You're a single-member LLC with no employees (technically optional, but strongly recommended)
How to get one
Three paths — each with different effort and cost.
Apply online with the IRS
Free, takes about 10 minutes, available Monday–Friday during business hours. The responsible party must have a US SSN or ITIN.
File Form SS-4 by fax or mail
The path for international founders without an SSN. Fax replies in ~4 business days; mail can take 4–6 weeks.
Let Pixelbase handle it
Add EIN creation to your formation order — we file it with the IRS on your behalf and hand it back to you, ready to use.
Things that trip people up
"I can apply for an EIN before forming my LLC."
Technically yes, but the IRS expects your entity to exist. Form your LLC or Corp first, then apply for the EIN under that legal name.
"I lost my EIN — I'll just apply for a new one."
You can't. The IRS only issues one per business. Look it up on a past tax return, your CP 575 confirmation letter, or call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line.
"My EIN expires when I close my business."
EINs are permanent. Even if you close, the number is retired but never reassigned. To formally close the account, write to the IRS.
"I need an EIN to use 1099 contractors."
You don't — but you'll need one to issue them W-9s and 1099-NECs, file payroll forms, or open a business bank account to pay them from.
Skip the IRS website.
We'll obtain your EIN directly from the IRS as part of your formation — including for international founders without an SSN.