The Employer Identification Number, or EIN, serves as a tax ID number for businesses and organizations. Here are a few tips for small businesses, trusts, estates, and charities about the EIN:

  1. Only the IRS can issue an EIN, and it’s a free service.
  2. You can visit IRS.gov/EIN, answer a few questions, and get your EIN immediately online.
  3. You must know who will be the responsible party on the application. This would generally be someone who is in control. It must be an individual. You must provide the responsible party’s Social Security Number.
  4. Always keep your EIN information up to date. Report any changes to the responsible party to the IRS within 60 days using Form 8822-B. Use the same form to report changes in address.
  5. Your assigned EIN is yours for life. The number is never discontinued.

If you close your business, write to the IRS to close your tax account. This is important and will help prevent identity theft.

To learn more, visit IRS.gov/EIN.