An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses and other organizations. It is used to identify the taxpayer for tax purposes. EINs are free to obtain.

To apply for an EIN, you can either file Form SS-4 online or by mail. Form SS-4 can be found on the IRS website.

When you apply for an EIN, you will need to provide the following information:

• Your business name
• Your business address
• Your business phone number
• The type of business entity you are creating
• Your name and taxpayer identification number (TIN), if you are an individual applying for an EIN on behalf of a business

The IRS will process your EIN application and issue your number within minutes if you apply online. If you apply by mail, it may take up to four weeks to receive your EIN.

Once you have your EIN, you will need to use it on all of your business tax returns and other paperwork. You will also need to provide your EIN to your bank, vendors, and other businesses that you do business with.

It is important to keep your EIN confidential. Do not share your EIN with anyone who does not need it. This includes businesses and organizations that you do not trust.

If you think that your EIN has been compromised, you should contact the IRS immediately. The IRS can help you to protect your identity and prevent fraud.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about EINs:

• EINs are not required for all businesses. Sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs without employees can use the owner's SSN instead of an EIN.
• EINs are not required to be registered with the state. However, some states may require businesses to provide their EIN when registering with the state.
• EINs are not required to be displayed on business cards or websites. However, it is a good idea to include your EIN on these materials so that businesses and organizations can easily identify you for tax purposes