EIN Guides

Everything about getting and using an Employer Identification Number, written by the team that prepares and files EIN applications every business day, including the failure modes the IRS’s own pages never explain.

Skip the paperwork. Our specialists prepare and file your EIN application and get your EIN to you, typically within 2 to 4 business days (about 11 if it has to go by fax).

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Business License vs EIN: Do You Need Both?

Two unrelated registrations: a federal tax number from the IRS and permission to operate from your city, county or state. What each is for, which comes first, and the states with a statewide license.

EIN for a Sole Proprietor: Why Most Get One, and When It Becomes Mandatory

Most sole proprietors get an EIN to keep their SSN off W-9s, to open a business account, and to be ready to hire. It becomes mandatory with the first employee. What the SS-4 asks a sole proprietor.

EIN Reference Number 105: Locked Out? Here Is the Fix

Reference number 105 is a lockout. Retrying makes it worse. What triggers it, how long it lasts, and how to get the EIN without waiting it out.

EIN Lookup: How to Find Your EIN (or Another Company's)

Your own EIN is on five documents you already have. Another company's EIN is public only in specific cases. Where to look, in order, and the one route that always works.

EIN for a Nonprofit: Get the Number Before the 501(c)(3)

A nonprofit needs an EIN long before tax-exempt status, and the exemption application cannot be filed without it. The entity type and the responsible party rules that trip up volunteer boards.

IRS EIN Reference Number 114: One EIN Per Day

Code 114 means an EIN was already issued to this responsible party today. It often means your earlier attempt succeeded. How to recover that number instead of waiting a day to apply again.

IRS EIN Reference Number 104: Designee Conflict

104 means the third-party designee's address or phone is the same as the applicant's. Leave the section blank or give the designee's own details.

IRS EIN Reference Number 115: Deceased Person Flag

The responsible party's SSN matches a Social Security death record. For an estate it means the deceased person went on Line 7 instead of the executor.

EIN for an Estate Bank Account

The account is opened in the estate's name under the estate's EIN, never the deceased person's SSN. What the bank asks for and how the account is titled.

Get Your EIN the Easy Way

Answer a few questions in about 5 minutes. Our specialists prepare your IRS Form SS-4, file it, personally handle any rejection or name conflict along the way, and get your EIN to you, typically within 2 to 4 business days, or about 11 when the IRS requires the application by fax. One flat $197 service fee. No upsells, no subscriptions.

  • ✓ Prepared and filed by specialists
  • ✓ Error 101 and rejection handling included
  • ✓ Data encrypted (AES-256)
  • ✓ Order tracking and email updates
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You can also apply for an EIN directly with the IRS at irs.gov at no cost.