---
title: "How to file an Employee Identification Number (EIN) (US)"
slug: "applying-for-an-ein"
tags: ["USA", "Entity"]
updated: 2022-05-09T18:41:25Z
published: 2022-05-09T18:41:25Z
canonical: "resourceportal.antientropy.org/applying-for-an-ein"
excludeFromExternalSearch: true
---

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

# How to file an Employee Identification Number (EIN) (US)

**Note that this is not applying for charity status; this is applying for the tax identification number.**

Remember, before filing for an Employee Identification Number (EIN), your nonprofit must be a [registered in a U.S. state](/v1/docs/incorporating-in-the-us) or its territories.

The person applying for the EIN must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, ITIN, EIN). This person is the “responsible party” and is the person who owns, controls, or who exercises effective control over the entity. Therefore, this should be the entity’s [Registered Agent](/v1/docs/us-registered-agent) used in the incorporation application to the state. Note that each person is limited to one EIN request per individual per day.

The [Form SS-4](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf) can be fill out online (see below). It is a simple form; most of the information can be found on your state registration. Answer spaces are short, so you will not need lengthy detail.

### Apply online:

The preferred method of applying for an EIN is through the [IRS website](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online). This is only available from Monday to Friday, from 7 AM to 10 PM EST.

Your form and information is validated during the session, and you are issued an EIN immediately after finishing the form.

### Apply by mail/fax:

Complete [Form SS-4](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf) and mail/fax to:

Internal Revenue Service Attn: EIN Operation Cincinnati, OH 45999

Fax: (855) 641-6935

## Related

- [Incorporating in the US](/incorporating-in-the-us.md)
- [US Corporate Registered Agent](/us-registered-agent.md)