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Form SS-4 (Rev. 12-2023) Page 2
Do I Need an EIN?
File Form SS-4 if the applicant entity doesn’t already have an EIN but is required to show an EIN on any return, statement, or other
document.1 See also the separate instructions for each line on Form SS-4.
IF the applicant... AND... THEN...
started a new business doesn’t currently have (nor expect to have) complete lines 1, 2, 4a–8a, 8b–c (if applicable), 9a,
employees 9b (if applicable), 10–13, and 16–18.
hired (or will hire) employees, doesn’t already have an EIN complete lines 1, 2, 4a–6, 7a–b, 8a,
including household employees 8b–c (if applicable), 9a, 9b (if applicable), and 10–18.
opened a bank account needs an EIN for banking purposes only complete lines 1–5b, 7a–b, 8a, 8b–c
(if applicable), 9a, 9b (if applicable), 10, and 18.
changed type of organization either the legal character of the organization or its complete lines 1–18 (as applicable).
ownership changed (for example, you incorporate a
sole proprietorship or form a partnership)2
purchased a going business3 doesn’t already have an EIN complete lines 1–18 (as applicable).
created a trust the trust is other than a grantor trust or an IRA complete lines 1–18 (as applicable).
trust4
created a pension plan as a needs an EIN for reporting purposes complete lines 1, 3, 4a–5b, 7a–b, 9a, 10, and 18.
plan administrator5
is a foreign person needing an needs an EIN to complete a Form W-8 (other than complete lines 1–5b, 7a–b (SSN or ITIN as applicable),
EIN to comply with IRS Form W-8ECI), avoid withholding on portfolio assets, 8a, 8b–c (if applicable), 9a, 9b (if applicable), 10,
withholding regulations or claim tax treaty benefits6 and 18.
is administering an estate needs an EIN to report estate income on Form 1041 complete lines 1–7b, 9a, 10–12, 13–17 (if applicable),
and 18.
is a withholding agent for is an agent, broker, fiduciary, manager, tenant, or complete lines 1, 2, 3 (if applicable), 4a–5b, 7a–b, 8a,
taxes on nonwage income spouse who is required to file Form 1042, Annual 8b–c (if applicable), 9a, 9b (if applicable), 10, and 18.
paid to an alien (that is, Withholding Tax Return for U.S. Source Income of
individual, corporation, or Foreign Persons
partnership, etc.)
is a state or local agency serves as a tax reporting agent for public assistance complete lines 1, 2, 4a–5b, 7a–b, 9a, 10, and 18.
recipients under Rev. Proc. 80-4, 1980-1 C.B. 5817
is a single-member LLC (or needs an EIN to file Form 8832, Entity Classification complete lines 1–18 (as applicable).
similar single-member entity) Election, for filing employment tax returns and excise
tax returns, or for state reporting purposes8, or is a
foreign-owned U.S. disregarded entity and needs an
EIN to file Form 5472, Information Return of a 25%
Foreign-Owned U.S. Corporation or a Foreign
Corporation Engaged in a U.S. Trade or Business
is an S corporation needs an EIN to file Form 2553, Election by a Small complete lines 1–18 (as applicable).
Business Corporation9
1 For example, a sole proprietorship or self-employed farmer who establishes a qualified retirement plan, or is required to file excise, employment, alcohol, tobacco, or
firearms returns, must have an EIN. A partnership, corporation, REMIC (real estate mortgage investment conduit), nonprofit organization (church, club, etc.), or farmers’
cooperative must use an EIN for any tax-related purpose even if the entity doesn’t have employees.
2 However, don’t apply for a new EIN if the existing entity only (a) changed its business name, (b) elected on Form 8832 to change the way it is taxed (or is covered by the
default rules), or (c) terminated its partnership status because at least 50% of the total interests in partnership capital and profits were sold or exchanged within a 12-
month period. The EIN of the terminated partnership should continue to be used. See Regulations section 301.6109-1(d)(2)(iii).
3 Don’t use the EIN of the prior business unless you became the “owner” of a corporation by acquiring its stock.
4 However, grantor trusts that don’t file using Optional Method 1 and IRA trusts that are required to file Form 990-T, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Return,
must have an EIN. For more information on grantor trusts, see the Instructions for Form 1041.
5 A plan administrator is the person or group of persons specified as the administrator by the instrument under which the plan is operated.
6 Entities applying to be a Qualified Intermediary (QI) need a QI-EIN even if they already have an EIN. See Rev. Proc. 2000-12.
7 See also Household employer agent in the instructions. Note: State or local agencies may need an EIN for other reasons, for example, hired employees.
8 See Disregarded entities in the instructions for details on completing Form SS-4 for an LLC.
9 An existing corporation that is electing or revoking S corporation status should use its previously assigned EIN.
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