- Tax Identification Number
A Tax Identification Number or TIN is an identifying number used for tax purposes in the United States. It may be assigned by the
Social Security Administration or by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service .)A TIN may be
* aSocial Security number (SSN)
* anIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
* anEmployer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number.SSNs are used by individuals, other than aliens who do not have the right to work in the US.
ITINs are used by aliens who do not have the right to work in the US.
EINs are used by employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, non-profit associations, trusts, estates of decedents, government agencies, certain individuals, and other business entities.
References
* [http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/international/article/0,,id=96696,00.html IRS explanation]
How to obtain a Tax Identification Number (EIN)
By Internet:You can get an EIN quickly by visiting the IRS website. (NOTE: As of June 2008 "The online application is undergoing work that may cause the application to erroneously timeout.")http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=102767,00.htmlIRS FAQ for Online EIN:http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=108532,00.html
By Phone:You can get an EIN quickly by calling the Tele-TIN toll free.Tele-TIN: 800-829-4933 from 7 am to 10 pm "(Eastern time???)"
By Fax:Fax a completed Form SS-4 to the service center, and they will respond with a return fax in about one week. If you do not include a return fax number, it will take about two weeks.Fax-TIN: 631-447-8960(Form SS-4 download -- http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf)
By Mail:If you apply by mail, send your completed Form (PDF) at least four to five weeks before you need your EIN tofile a return or make a deposit. See website below for instructions and regional mailing address.http://www.irs.gov/instructions/iss4/ch01.html
NOTE: If your business does not have employees, the IRS recommends you write "For Identification Purposes Only" at the top of form SS-4.
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