EIN (employer identification number)
An EIN, or employer identification number, is a federal tax ID the IRS gives to businesses. You can apply for free on the IRS site. Sole proprietors can often use their Social Security number instead, but many vendors get an EIN to keep it off forms and open a business account.
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About ein.
Also called: employer identification number, federal tax ID, FEIN, tax ID number.
You generally need an EIN if you have employees, operate as a partnership, LLC or corporation, or pay certain taxes. Sole proprietors without employees often do not need one but can get one.
Market and wholesale forms, including W-9s, ask for either an EIN or an SSN. An EIN keeps your Social Security number off paperwork you hand out.
Apply directly with the IRS, which does not charge a fee. Beware of sites that charge to file for you.
This is general information, not tax advice; check with your state tax agency or a tax professional for your situation.
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Facts on this page come from these sources, checked on 2026-10-11. Details change; tell us at hello@bzar.app if something here is out of date.
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