How to Get a Federal Tax Id Number

Most banks require a Federal Tax Id Number(EIN)
before they will allow you to open a business
bank account.

Although you may apply for an EIN by obtaining an application form from your local IRS office, I have added this page to enable you to obtain your EIN as easily as possible.

This page contains a lot of important information about obtaining your federal tax id number. Please make sure to read it all. The process can be broken down into three easy steps:

Step 1: Need a Federal Tax Id Number NOW?

Unless you need your federal tax id number in a hurry, you may go directly to Step 2. Let's face it...If you are in a rush to get your EIN, the application process and waiting can be a frustrating and aggrevating experience. Perhaps you have received checks for products and services that you need to deposit into a business checking account, but your bank won't let you because it needs an EIN number.

However, did you know that it is possible to obtain your EIN immediately by applying using a special IRS telephone number set up for this purpose? In fact the IRS will take your application over the telephone and issue you a federal tax id number that you can use immediately. Many people are not aware of this, and make the mistake of mailing their application.

I have put together a neat e-mail report that outlines this procedure. Since I put this page up in 2001, I have received scores of thank you notes from people who used this page to get their federal tax id number in
jiffy. All I ask in return is that you subscribe to my
free e-Zine:

Once you have confirmed your subscription (note: you are of course free to unsubscribe anytime!), enter your first name and e-mail again to receive your free report:

Step 2: Download and Complete IRS Form SS4.

In order to download and print IRS Form SS4, Application for Federal Id Number, you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. You probably already have this on your computer. It only takes a minute to download and install, and it is free. This is a useful program to have to view many documents on the web that are only available in an Adobe(.pdf) format. To download, click on the Adobe Button here.

Click here to download IRS Form SS4 after you have installed Acrobat Reader.

Step 3: Complete Form SS4

Using Adobe Acrobat Reader, print form SS4 with instructions. Complete the form. Date and sign it. Then locate the IRS service center for your state here: IRS Federal Tax Id Number Processing Service Centers and mail or fax the completed form.

Home