{"id":1008048,"date":"2025-07-24T07:54:57","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T13:54:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/runahr.com\/ein-number\/"},"modified":"2025-07-31T07:16:26","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T13:16:26","slug":"ein-number","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/runahr.com\/en\/recursos\/human-resources\/ein-number\/","title":{"rendered":"EIN number: How Much Does It Cost? Why It's Worth It?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span>If you\u2019re starting a business, thinking about hiring, or just trying to keep your tax life under control, you\u2019re going to need an EIN number. It doesn\u2019t sound exciting\u2014but it matters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Think of it like a Social Security number\u2026 for your business. It\u2019s how the IRS tracks you. It\u2019s how banks size you up. And it\u2019s the number that quietly sits behind things like payroll, loans, and licenses.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Not glamorous. But absolutely essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What exactly is an EIN number?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span>An EIN number (short for Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number assigned to your business by the IRS. It shows the government\u2014and other institutions\u2014that your business exists and plays by the rules.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>You\u2019ll need it for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Hiring employees<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Filing business taxes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Opening a business bank account<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Applying for licenses or permits<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span>Even if you\u2019re solo or running a part-time side hustle, having one gives you structure\u2014and options.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How does an EIN number work?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span>Your EIN is like your business\u2019s fingerprint. When you open accounts, pay staff, or file returns, this is the number you use.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Banks want it before opening a business account. The IRS uses it to track taxes. State agencies need it for licenses and payroll. Vendors may ask for it too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>If your business does anything official, your EIN is part of the paperwork.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why you might need one<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span>Why? Because it lets you keep your personal info (like your Social Security number) off business forms. That alone is a win. There are a few cases where the IRS requires it if you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Hire people<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Business is a partnership, corporation, or multi-member LLC<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Need to file employment, excise, or certain federal taxes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Have a Keogh retirement plan<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Withhold taxes for non-U.S. residents<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span>But even if you\u2019re not legally required to have one? It\u2019s still worth getting.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Who can apply for an EIN number?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span>Pretty much anyone with a business. Just make sure the person applying has official authority\u2014usually the founder or someone listed in legal documents:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Freelancers and solo founders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>LLCs and corporations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Nonprofits and side hustles<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>International companies doing business in the U.S.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How much does it cost?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span>Zero. It\u2019s completely free through the IRS. If you see a website trying to charge you to \u201cget your EIN fast,\u201d walk away. That\u2019s a scam. The IRS doesn\u2019t charge for this.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>When is an EIN number 100% required?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span>If any of that applies to you, don\u2019t wait. Just get it done early. There\u2019s no wiggle room in these cases\u2014you need an EIN if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>You have employees<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>You operate as a corporation or partnership<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>You file excise taxes or have certain retirement plans<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>You\u2019re managing taxes for non-resident workers<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How to apply for an EIN number?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span>Pro tip: The online method is fastest and works for most U.S.-based businesses. It\u2019s actually pretty easy:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Online:<\/b><span> Go to the IRS site. Fill out the form. Get your number immediately.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fax or mail:<\/b><span> Use Form SS-4. Slower, but works if you can\u2019t apply online.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Phone: <\/b><span>Only for international applicants, but available if needed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><b>Why the EIN number matters daily<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span>And it keeps your personal identity protected, which makes tax time (and every bank form ever) way easier. This one little ID number helps you:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Pay employees through payroll software<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Open business bank and credit accounts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Apply for business licenses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Get loans or financing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Build trust with partners and clients.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span>Also, <\/span><span>other ways an EIN makes life smoother:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Builds credibility: <\/b><span>Vendors and banks take you more seriously.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Keeps taxes separate:<\/b><span> Clean lines between business and personal income.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Protects you: <\/b><span>No more putting your SSN on every form.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Speeds up paperwork:<\/b><span> From loan apps to legal docs, you\u2019ll need it often.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Can you have more than one?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span>Only if you have more than one legal entity\u2014like multiple LLCs or corporations. One EIN per business.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>If you get multiple for the same company? That\u2019s a fast track to tax headaches. Stick to one.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What happens if the EIN is lost or misplaced?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span>They\u2019ll help you recover it. Just don\u2019t guess\u2014it needs to be exact. You\u2019ve got options:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Check your original IRS confirmation letter (Form CP 575)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Look on tax returns or payroll paperwork<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Call the IRS Business line: 800-829-4933<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Canceling or reusing your EIN number<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span>An EIN is forever. Once it\u2019s tied to your business, it\u2019s yours\u2014even if you shut down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>If you want to officially close up shop, send the IRS a letter with your EIN and a short note saying the business is done. They\u2019ll mark it inactive, but they won\u2019t reassign it to anyone else.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Common mistakes to avoid<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span>It\u2019s all fixable\u2014but easier to get right the first time. Here\u2019s where people trip up:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Typing the wrong EIN on tax forms<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Forgetting to tell the IRS when the business changes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Mixing up business name and EIN in filings<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Assuming you don\u2019t need one (when you actually do)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What role does HR play in keeping EINs on track?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span>Small detail. Big responsibility. If you have an HR team\u2014even if you are the HR team\u2014someone needs to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Make sure employee forms list the correct EIN<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Handle payroll and benefit deductions cleanly<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Track EIN-related filings and reports<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span>Know how to handle changes or terminations<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span>Your EIN won\u2019t win you customers or land your next deal. But it will quietly make your life easier every time you file, apply, hire, or grow.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>It\u2019s free. It\u2019s easy to get. And it keeps your business running smoothly behind the scenes. So if you haven\u2019t already applied, do it now. You\u2019ll be glad you did.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re starting a business, thinking about hiring, or just trying to keep your tax life under control, you\u2019re going to need an EIN number. It doesn\u2019t sound exciting\u2014but it matters. Think of it like a Social Security number\u2026 for your business. It\u2019s how the IRS tracks you. It\u2019s how banks size you up. And [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":105,"featured_media":959637,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_wp_applaud_exclude":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1850],"tags":[2167,1910,1852],"class_list":["post-1008048","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-human-resources","tag-article","tag-ein-number","tag-human-resources"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.1 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>EIN number: How Much Does It Cost? 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