Do I need an EIN, and what is it used for?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit federal tax identification number issued by the IRS to identify your business. You'll typically need it for business banking, tax reporting, and hiring employees. ## What is an EIN used for? Your business may use its EIN to: - Open a U.S. business bank account. - File business tax returns and identify the business on federal tax documents. - Report employment taxes when hiring employees. An EIN is only one part of a bank's application requirements. Having one doesn't guarantee that your business bank account will be approved. ## Is an EIN the same as an SSN or ITIN? No. An EIN identifies your business, while an SSN (Social Security Number) or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) identifies you as an individual. Getting an EIN doesn't give you an SSN or ITIN. You may separately need an ITIN if you have a personal U.S. tax filing obligation and aren't eligible for an SSN. Learn more about [the difference between an EIN, an ITIN, and an SSN](https://ask.doola.com/article/82ddac6a-ein-vs-itin-whats-the-difference-and-what-is-form-ss-4). ## Can I get an EIN without an SSN? Yes. Non-U.S. founders can get an EIN for their U.S. company without an SSN. Applications without an SSN usually require manual IRS processing. You don't need to obtain an SSN just to apply for your company's EIN. ## How do I get an EIN through doola? Once your company is formed and you've signed Form SS-4, doola submits your EIN application to the IRS. Form SS-4 is the application used to request an EIN. It isn't the EIN itself or proof that the IRS has issued your number. ## How long does it take, and where can I find it? Processing time depends on the IRS, whether your application requires manual review, and the EIN service included in your plan. You can follow the status and estimated completion date in the progress tracker on the main page of your doola dashboard. Once doola receives your EIN letter from the IRS, we upload it to your dashboard and let you know. For more details, see [How long does company formation take and when will I get my EIN?](https://ask.doola.com/article/fbc9f864-how-long-does-company-formation-take-and-when-will-i-get-my-ein).