Tax and VAT

EIN (Employer Identification Number)

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the 9-digit federal tax identifier the IRS issues to US business entities (LLCs, corporations, partnerships, trusts, estates, and sole proprietors who choose to have one) in the format XX-XXXXXXX.

Applies in: United States

If a US business has employees, files certain federal tax returns, or operates as a corporation or partnership, it is required to have an EIN. Sole proprietors are not required to have one (they can file under their SSN) but most apply for one anyway, because using an EIN on invoices and W-9 forms decouples a personal SSN from every counterparty's records.

Applying is free. The IRS issues EINs online in a few minutes at irs.gov, by fax in about four business days, and by mail in four to five weeks. Foreign businesses that need an EIN to deal with US payers can apply by mail or fax (Form SS-4); the online process is restricted to applicants with a US-resident responsible party.

On a US invoice, the EIN appears in the supplier's tax-ID field. It is what the buyer enters on a 1099-NEC at year-end to report payments to the IRS. It is what the buyer requests when sending a W-9 to the supplier. For business-to-business invoicing the EIN is effectively the US equivalent of a VAT number in functional purpose, although the underlying tax mechanic is completely different.

Common questions about EIN

Do I need an EIN to invoice in the US?
Not strictly. A US sole proprietor can invoice using just an SSN. But most freelancers and contractors apply for an EIN anyway, because it keeps the SSN off invoices and W-9s. Any business that has employees, operates as an LLC, corporation, or partnership, or files certain federal tax returns is required to have an EIN.
Is an EIN the same as an SSN?
No. An SSN is a personal identifier for an individual (issued by the Social Security Administration). An EIN is a business identifier (issued by the IRS). They share the same role in US tax filings (identifying the taxpayer) but apply to different entities. The umbrella term that covers both is TIN.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Online application through the IRS at irs.gov takes about 10 minutes and issues an EIN immediately at the end of the session. Fax applications take about four business days. Mail applications take four to five weeks. The online channel requires a US-resident responsible party with a valid SSN, ITIN, or existing EIN.

Use JupiterInvoice for EIN

EIN on a JupiterInvoice invoice is a field, a label, and an audit trail your buyer can act on without an email back-and-forth.

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W-9 / W-8BEN form picker

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Related terms

TIN VAT number ABN Withholding tax

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