If you’re a business owner, you might have heard of Ein, which stands for Employer Identification Number. It’s a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns to businesses to identify them for tax purposes. But does getting an Ein cost money? The answer is both yes and no, depending on how you obtain it. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways you can get an Ein and how much it will cost you.
Before we dive into the details of whether Ein costs money, it’s important to understand why you need one. If you’re a business owner, you’re required to have an Ein if you have employees, operate as a partnership or corporation, or file certain tax returns. Even if you don’t meet any of these criteria, getting an Ein can still be beneficial for your business. It allows you to establish credit, apply for loans, and open a business bank account, among other things.
How to Get an Ein
Now that we know why you need an Ein, let’s talk about how to get one. There are three ways to obtain an Ein:
- Apply online
- Apply by mail
- Apply by fax
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so let’s take a closer look at each one.
Apply Online
One of the easiest and fastest ways to get an Ein is to apply online. This can be done through the IRS website, and it’s free of charge. You’ll need to provide some basic information about your business, such as its name, address, and the type of entity it is. Once you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive your Ein immediately.
One thing to keep in mind is that not all businesses are eligible to apply online. If you’re not a U.S. citizen or resident, or if your business is located outside of the U.S., you’ll need to apply by mail or fax.
Apply by Mail
If you’re not eligible to apply online or if you prefer to submit your application by mail, you can do so by filling out Form SS-4 and mailing it to the IRS. The form is available on the IRS website, and it’s free to download. You’ll need to provide the same information as you would for an online application, but it will take longer to receive your Ein. It can take up to four weeks for the IRS to process your application.
Apply by Fax
Another option is to apply by fax. This method is similar to applying by mail, but you’ll need to fax your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS instead of mailing it. The advantage of this method is that you’ll receive your Ein faster than if you applied by mail. It typically takes about four business days to receive your Ein if you apply by fax.
Does Ein Cost Money?
So, now that we know how to get an Ein, let’s answer the question: does it cost money? The answer is no, obtaining an Ein is free of charge. However, there are some businesses that offer to get an Ein for you for a fee. These businesses are not affiliated with the IRS, and they’re not necessary to obtain an Ein. In fact, it’s easy to get an Ein on your own using one of the methods we discussed earlier.
It’s important to be cautious of any business that claims to be able to get an Ein for you faster or easier than the IRS. These businesses often charge high fees and may not be legitimate. Getting an Ein is a simple process that you can do on your own for free.
Conclusion
Getting an Ein is an important step for any business owner. It’s necessary for tax purposes, but it also allows you to establish credit, apply for loans, and open a business bank account. Fortunately, obtaining an Ein is free of charge and can be done easily using one of the methods we discussed. Don’t be fooled by businesses that charge a fee to get an Ein for you. You can do it yourself for free with just a little bit of effort.