EIN vs Other Numbers
FEIN, TIN, ITIN, DUNS, state numbers and how each differs from an EIN.
Last updated November 5, 2026
Federal Tax ID Number for a Business: What It Is and How to Get One
A federal tax ID number for a business is the EIN. Which businesses need their own, when the owner's SSN is enough, what the number looks like, and the state numbers that are not the same thing.
FEIN vs EIN: Is There a Difference?
FEIN and EIN are the same nine-digit federal number under two names. Why state forms say FEIN or FEI, and which number to put on them.
What Is a TIN Number? EIN vs TIN vs SSN vs ITIN
A TIN is the family; EIN, SSN and ITIN are members of it. Which one a form is really asking for, and when a business uses the owner's SSN instead of its own EIN.
ITIN vs EIN: Which One You Need, and Whether You Need an ITIN First
An ITIN identifies a person who cannot get an SSN; an EIN identifies a business, estate, trust or employer. Side by side, who needs which, how each is applied for, and the IRS manual line that says a foreign owner does not need an ITIN to get an EIN.
DUNS vs EIN: What Is the Difference?
An EIN comes from the IRS and is your tax number. A D-U-N-S comes from Dun & Bradstreet and is a credit file number. Which one you need, and for what.
LLC Number vs EIN: Your Secretary of State Number Is Not a Tax ID
The state assigns your LLC number and the IRS assigns your EIN. What each is for, why forming an LLC does not get you an EIN, and what all 50 states call their number.
Company Registration Number: What It Is and Where to Find It
A company registration number is the ID your state gives a company. What it is called in different states and how to find it.
State Tax ID vs Federal EIN: What Is the Difference?
The EIN comes from the IRS and is one number per business. State tax IDs come from your state's revenue agency, there can be several, and you usually need the EIN first. Which is which on a W-2, a bank form and a sales tax permit.
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.
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