Key Takeaways

  • An EIN Number in Ohio is a federal tax ID issued by the IRS to identify a business entity for tax purposes.
  • Even Ohio businesses without employees often need an EIN to open bank accounts, file taxes, or apply for business licenses.
  • You can apply for an EIN online, by mail, fax, or phone (for foreign applicants), with the online option being the fastest.
  • Ohio businesses may also need to register for a state tax ID through the Ohio Department of Taxation to handle sales and employer withholding taxes.
  • Having an EIN helps protect personal information, establish business credit, and streamline tax compliance.

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

An EIN Ohio is an Employer Identification Number used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business or company in Ohio. 

A company doesn't need employees to have an EIN, though the name includes the word "employer." 

Both EINs and Social Security Numbers (SSN) are nine digits, but they are not the same.

To tell SSNs and EINs apart, note that an EIN includes a hyphen between the second and third digits.

Companies may apply for an EIN free of charge through the IRS.

Why Ohio Businesses Need an EIN Number

While an EIN (Employer Identification Number) is issued by the IRS, it plays a key role in operating a compliant business in Ohio. Whether you run a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or partnership, obtaining an EIN number in Ohio is essential for distinguishing your business from its owners and ensuring federal and state tax compliance.

Even sole proprietors often choose to get an EIN to keep personal and business finances separate. For Ohio entrepreneurs, the EIN is needed for:

  • Filing business income, payroll, and excise taxes.
  • Opening business bank accounts and obtaining credit.
  • Registering with the Ohio Department of Taxation for state-level taxes such as sales tax or employer withholding.
  • Hiring employees or working with independent contractors.
  • Applying for business licenses and permits across Ohio municipalities.

Uses of Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Companies will need an EIN to: 

  • Open a checking, savings, or investment account for the business
  • File business taxes
  • Manage employee payroll
  • Open a business line of credit or loan
  • Open credit cards for the business
  • Complete a business license application

When Ohio Businesses Are Required to Obtain an EIN

You must apply for an EIN in Ohio if your business meets any of the following conditions:

  • Your company has or plans to hire employees.
  • Your business is structured as a corporation or partnership.
  • You file employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms tax returns.
  • You withhold taxes on income (other than wages) paid to non-resident aliens.
  • You manage certain types of trusts, estates, or nonprofit organizations.

In addition, some Ohio banks and lenders require a valid EIN before opening business accounts or approving loans. Having an EIN is also helpful when registering your company through the Ohio Secretary of State to form an LLC or corporation, since many formation services request it for IRS compliance confirmation.

Ways to Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Companies may file for an EIN by: 

  • Mail
  • Fax 
  • Online application with the IRS

Filing for an EIN via mail can take as long as four weeks, and as long as four days via fax. The online application is the most efficient way to file, so that will be our focus.

A company will receive an EIN immediately once the questions on the application have all been answered online, so this is the fastest process. 

The filer can download the EIN and a confirmation number once they're provided so they can then save or print it for records. 

Before applying for an EIN, company member SSNs or ITINs (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers) should be ready to include in the online application.

SSNs are needed for U.S. citizens. 

ITINs are required for foreign nationals.

Foreign nationals who may be applying will need to first apply for an ITIN before filling out the application for an EIN, if they don't already have one. If an ITIN is needed, they can visit the IRS website or call 800-829-1040. 

Ohio State Tax ID vs. Federal EIN

Many new Ohio business owners confuse the federal EIN with the Ohio state tax ID. These are separate but complementary identifiers:

  • Federal EIN: Issued by the IRS, it identifies your business for federal tax purposes and is used when filing federal returns or opening financial accounts.
  • Ohio State Tax ID: Issued by the Ohio Department of Taxation, it enables your business to pay sales tax, use tax, and employer withholding tax.

To register for a state tax ID, visit the Ohio Business Gateway and complete the tax registration for your entity type. You may need both numbers to stay compliant with state and federal regulations.

Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online Application

To fill out the EIN application online follow these steps:

  • Go to IRS EIN application website.
  • Find “Apply Online Now” in the middle of the page and click on it.
  • Click “Begin Application” and choose “Limited Liability Company."
  • After clicking "Continue" a second time, enter how many members are part of your LLC.
  • If there is only one member, choose the location of the LLC.
  • Click on “Started a new business” and then “Continue."
  • Choose, “Individual” and, again, “Continue.”
  • Enter name and SSN.
  • Choose, “I am one of the owners, members, or the managing member of this LLC," then click “Continue."
  • Fill out the Principal LLC Address (the physical location of the LLC) and click "Continue."
  • Once the IRS has verified the address, click “Accept Database Version."
  • Fill out the legal name of the LLC, include the LLC suffix, and leave out the comma (example: Pam's Pancakes LLC), the county and state location, and the state in which it was formed (usually the same state of location).
  • Fill out the “start date” of the LLC (the same date used in the Operating Agreement and when those documents were received back from the state).
  • Click “Continue” once all this information is completed and answer the subsequent questions (usually these will all be answered, "no").
  • Double check to make sure nothing applies to your business like manufacturing or selling alcohol or tobacco, or if it will be a gambling establishment.
  • Once these questions are all answered, click "Continue."
  • Answer the questions about the business' activities (this will match the Operating Agreement information).
  • Your LLC might fall under the "other" category, but make sure to read carefully to be sure you select the correct category.
  • Once properly categorized, click “Continue."
  • Answer the following questions accurately according to your particular LLC, and then click, "Continue."
  • Choose if you would like to receive your official EIN letter via mail or online. 

Applicants will usually choose to receive their letters online, as this is the quickest process. Letters can take as long as four weeks to receive by mail. 

Once everything has been reviewed, click "Submit," and see the confirmation sheet with the newly assigned EIN and the LLC's legal name.

Finally, a PDF version of the EIN confirmation letter will be available to download and save or print for records, both saving and printing is recommended.

A few more clicks of the "Continue" button will finish up the online process for obtaining an EIN.

Tips for Applying for an EIN in Ohio

When applying for an EIN number in Ohio, it’s important to follow IRS guidelines and ensure all your business details match your Ohio formation documents. Here are a few best practices:

  • Use your legal business name exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization or Incorporation.
  • Ensure your principal business address matches your registered Ohio office.
  • Keep your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575) safely stored—banks and tax professionals often require it.
  • If your business structure changes (for example, from an LLC to a corporation), you may need to apply for a new EIN.
  • Foreign business owners should apply via Form SS-4 by fax or mail, as the online portal is limited to U.S.-based applicants.

Obtaining your EIN early ensures smoother compliance when filing state business registration forms, applying for municipal permits, or managing employee payroll later on.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need an EIN to start an LLC in Ohio?
    Yes. While it’s not mandatory for all LLCs, most banks, lenders, and government agencies require an EIN for tax, banking, and employment purposes.
  2. Can I use my Social Security Number instead of an EIN?
    Sole proprietors without employees can use their SSN for federal tax purposes, but obtaining an EIN provides privacy and professional credibility.
  3. How long does it take to get an EIN number in Ohio?
    Online applications are processed instantly. Fax requests typically take four business days, while mail requests can take up to four weeks.
  4. What if I lose my EIN confirmation letter?
    You can contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 to request a copy of your EIN assignment notice.
  5. Is my Ohio EIN the same as my state tax ID?
    No. The EIN is federal, issued by the IRS. The Ohio Department of Taxation separately issues state tax IDs for sales, employer, and withholding taxes.

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