- 1). Apply online. Visit the IRS' website (see Resource below). Complete all five sections of this process: Identify, Authenticate, Addresses, Details and EIN Confirmation. Use the Help section on the right-hand side of the screen to answer any questions you may have. Remember that the EIN can be used instantly for actions such as opening a bank account, applying for business licenses or filing a tax return by mail, but it may take up to two weeks for the new EIN to become part of the IRS' permanent records, allowing you to file an electronic return, make an electronic payment or pass an IRS Taxpayer Identification Number matching program.
- 2). Apply by fax. Print Form SS-4 (see Resource below). Fax the completed form to (859) 669-5760 if your principal place of business, office or legal residence is located in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Fax the completed form to (215) 516-1040 if you have no principal place of business, office or legal residence in any of the states. Provide your fax number and a fax will be sent back containing the EIN within four business days.
- 3). Apply by phone. Call the Business and Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933 Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. EST. Speak with a live assistant who will take your information over the phone, and assign and provide the EIN. Call (215) 516-6999 if you are an International caller.
- 4). Apply by mail. Print Form SS-4 (see Resource below). Ensure the form contains all the required information. Mail the form to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999 if your principal place of business, office or legal residence is located in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Mail the form to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Philadelphia, PA 19255 if you have no principal place of business, office or legal residence in any of the states. Receive your EIN in the mail in approximately four weeks.
- 5). Assign a Third Party Designee to act on the business' behalf to apply for the FEID Number, if necessary. Have the taxpayer sign Form SS-4 prior to faxing or mailing it to the IRS. Take note that the Third Party Designee's authority terminates at the time the EIN is assigned and released to the designee.
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