> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pluvel.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# EIN (Employer Identification Number)

> Get your federal tax ID number.

Your business needs a tax ID before it can do almost anything. Open a bank account? Need an EIN. Hire employees? Need an EIN. File taxes? Need an EIN.

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number from the IRS that identifies your business. Think of it as a Social Security number for your company. Getting one takes about 5 minutes online, and it's completely free.

## When you need an EIN

You need an EIN if you:

* Have employees or plan to hire
* Operate as a corporation or partnership
* File employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms tax returns
* Withhold taxes on income paid to non-resident aliens
* Have a Keogh plan
* Are involved with trusts, estates, nonprofits, or certain other organizations

<Info>
  Even single-member LLCs with no employees usually need an EIN. Banks require it to open a business account, and using an EIN keeps your personal Social Security number off business documents.
</Info>

## How Pluvel gets your EIN

When you form a company through Pluvel, we handle the EIN application automatically.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Formation approved">
    Once your state filing is complete, we have all the information needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="IRS application">
    We submit your EIN application electronically within 24 hours of formation approval.
  </Step>

  <Step title="EIN issued">
    The IRS usually issues EINs within minutes during business hours. We add it to your Pluvel dashboard immediately.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirmation letter">
    The IRS mails a confirmation letter (CP 575) to your business address. Takes 4-6 weeks. You can use your EIN right away — no need to wait for the letter.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## EIN for existing businesses

If you have an existing business without an EIN:

1. Go to **Settings → Company → Tax Information**
2. Click **Apply for EIN**
3. Confirm your business details
4. We submit the application

## EIN format

EINs look like this: **XX-XXXXXXX** (e.g., 12-3456789)

The first two digits indicate which IRS campus issued it. This doesn't affect your taxes — it's just administrative.

## When you need a new EIN

| Situation                      | New EIN needed? |
| ------------------------------ | --------------- |
| Change business name           | No              |
| Change business address        | No              |
| Change from sole prop to LLC   | Yes             |
| Change from LLC to corporation | Yes             |
| Incorporate in a new state     | Depends         |
| New owner (partnership)        | Sometimes       |
| Bankruptcy                     | Sometimes       |

<Warning>
  Never use your personal Social Security Number when an EIN is required. Keep business and personal finances separate.
</Warning>

## What your EIN is used for

Your EIN appears on:

* Business tax returns (Form 1120, 1120-S, 1065)
* Employment tax returns (Form 941, 940)
* Business bank accounts
* Business credit applications
* Vendor W-9 forms
* 1099 forms you issue
* Business licenses and permits

## Protecting your EIN

Your EIN isn't as sensitive as a Social Security Number, but still protect it:

* Share only with banks, vendors, and the IRS when required
* Include on W-9 forms when clients request it
* Don't post it publicly on websites or social media

## Common questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How long does it take to get an EIN?">
    When applied for electronically (which is how Pluvel does it), you typically get your EIN within minutes during IRS business hours (7am-10pm ET, Monday-Friday). Applications outside these hours process when the IRS opens.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I use my SSN instead?">
    Sole proprietors without employees can use their SSN for business taxes. But most banks require an EIN to open a business account, and using an EIN keeps your SSN private.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What if I lose my EIN?">
    Your EIN doesn't change and never expires. If you forget it, check previous tax returns, bank statements, or call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does my EIN expire?">
    No. Once issued, your EIN is permanent — even if you never use it or close the business.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I apply for an EIN myself?">
    Yes, through the IRS website (irs.gov) or by mailing Form SS-4. But Pluvel handles this automatically when you form with us.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## IRS resources

| Resource                      | Where to find it                                                                                         |
| ----------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Apply for EIN online          | irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online |
| EIN FAQ                       | irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers                                    |
| Form SS-4 (paper application) | irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-ss-4                                                                       |

## Where to find your EIN in Pluvel

Your EIN appears in several places:

1. **Dashboard** → Company card shows your EIN
2. **Company → Details** → Tax Information section
3. **Documents** → CP 575 confirmation letter (once received)

<Card title="View your EIN" icon="file-certificate" href="/features/company/settings">
  Find your EIN in company settings.
</Card>