Key Takeaways

  • An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is required for most businesses and serves as a tax identification tool similar to a Social Security Number.
  • Businesses may need an EIN to hire employees, open bank accounts, apply for credit, or establish vendor and service accounts.
  • If you’re asking, “Can I get a cell phone with EIN number?”—the answer is yes, but most carriers will still check the responsible party’s personal credit.
  • An EIN can help separate business and personal finances, making it easier to establish credit and access business-related services.
  • Businesses without employees may still benefit from having an EIN, such as when dealing with suppliers, lenders, or state-level requirements.

EIN Phone Number

The EIN phone number is a number for the IRS that you can call to obtain your EIN. EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. An EIN serves as the identifying number for a business similar to the way an SSN does for an individual. Its primary purpose is for employee tax identification.

Why Do You Need an EIN?

Businesses require an EIN if they:

  • Formed recently
  • Hired employees
  • Opened a bank account
  • Need a line of credit or credit card
  • Changed the owner or character of the business
  • Created an LLC, trust, partnership, pension plan, or corporation
  • Represent an estate operating after an owner's death

Business Uses of an EIN Beyond Taxes

While an EIN is primarily a tax identifier, many business activities require or benefit from having one. In addition to filing taxes, an EIN is often necessary to:

  • Open a business checking or savings account
  • Apply for business credit cards or loans
  • Establish vendor accounts with suppliers
  • Apply for state and local business licenses
  • File excise tax returns for certain industries
  • Hire employees and set up payroll accounts

Having an EIN creates a clear separation between personal and business finances, which not only simplifies recordkeeping but also provides credibility with financial institutions and vendors.

Who Applies for an EIN?

The person who is considered the responsible party for the business at hand should apply for the EIN. This person usually has some level of control over funds and assets for the business.

Most businesses are required to get an EIN because this is how the IRS identifies them. This can even be said for sole proprietorships. Owners of these businesses are eligible to apply for an EIN to protect their SSN.

If the company is an LLC, one of the members must be designated as the responsible party for the LLC.

Can I Get a Cell Phone With EIN Number?

A common question small business owners ask is, “Can I get a cell phone with EIN number?” The short answer is yes—many carriers allow businesses to set up a wireless plan under the company’s EIN. However, the EIN itself is not always enough. Most providers will also check the business owner’s personal credit or require a guarantor if the company does not yet have established business credit.

Having an EIN can be advantageous because it allows you to:

  • Open a dedicated business cell phone account, which keeps your business and personal expenses separate
  • Potentially qualify for business-specific discounts and multi-line plans
  • Build business credit history if the carrier reports to commercial credit bureaus
  • Present your business as more professional when dealing with clients and vendors

If your company is new and does not have a credit profile, the carrier may require you to provide your SSN in addition to your EIN. Over time, as the business establishes credit, reliance on your personal information may decrease.

How Does EIN Filing Work?

Prior to applying for an EIN, be prepared to answer or have certain information available to you during the signing process. This includes the SSNs of the owners, reasons for filing, and estimated company wages. Applying for an EIN through IRS.gov is the simplest and cheapest way since it is a free service. It only takes minutes to do, and you'll receive an EIN immediately after completing the application.

The IRS cuts down on the time spent filling out forms by asking a series of questions before the form is filled out. Based on the answers, the form is auto-populated with them, and then the number is generated once the information is verified as correct. Those who cannot go through the process online can also call the Business and Specialty Tax Line. They're open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. locally. Reach the line by calling 1-800-829-4933 at any point during those hours.

The person on the other end of the line gathers your information, walks you through the entire process, and is able to give your EIN to you after just a few minutes. People from outside the U.S. should call (215) 516-6999.

Applying by mail by filling out the SS-4 form is another option, but it is not instant and takes up to five weeks. It is up to the person that fills it out to provide a complete form and a correct return address. This way of getting an EIN is not recommended if it is needed quickly.

Another slightly faster option is to apply for an EIN via fax. It only takes four days to process. But there is no way to confirm whether the form actually went through until the process is completed because it offers no way to confirm the status.

States on the East Coast will fax the paperwork to 631-447-8960. This includes:

  • New Jersey
  • West Virginia
  • Delaware
  • North Carolina
  • Georgia
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • Rhode Island
  • New Hampshire
  • Washington, DC
  • Maine
  • Connecticut
  • South Carolina
  • Virginia
  • Vermont
  • Pennsylvania
  • Florida
  • Ohio

The mailing address is IRS Center, ATTN: EIN Operation, Holtsville, NY 00501.

Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan businesses should fax paperwork to 859-669-5760 or mail it to IRS Center, ATTN: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.

All states listed below must fax to 215-516-3990 or mail it to IRS Center, ATTN: EIN Operation, Philadelphia, PA 19255:

  • New Mexico
  • Alaska
  • Nevada
  • Puerto Rico
  • North Dakota
  • Wisconsin
  • Tennessee
  • Nebraska
  • Oregon
  • Utah
  • California
  • Louisiana
  • Idaho
  • Wyoming
  • Oklahoma
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • South Dakota
  • Minnesota
  • Texas
  • Hawaii
  • Arizona
  • Alabama
  • Washington
  • Colorado

Be aware that a web search involving applying for an EIN produces a lot of third-party websites that require a fee. These are typically websites that help with the entire company formation process. If you elect to have assistance with the company formation process, you are allowed to opt out of having that service apply for the EIN on your behalf.

Submitting the application separately will not impact the formation. All you need to do is make sure that you retain records of the application and get the number. You are also permitted to fill out and submit all of your company documentation for formation yourself and pay only what your state requires. Company formation services charge for their fees on top of what the state filing fees cost. It's nice to have for those who want the assistance, but it isn't required.

Do All Businesses Need an EIN?

Not every business is legally required to have an EIN, but in many cases, it is beneficial even if not mandatory. For example, sole proprietors without employees may technically use their SSN for tax purposes. However, using an EIN instead helps protect personal information and can make it easier to:

  • Open business bank accounts
  • Secure business financing
  • Work with wholesalers and vendors that require an EIN
  • Appear more credible to clients and partners

LLCs and corporations generally must obtain an EIN. Even single-member LLCs often need one, particularly if they plan to hire employees, elect S corporation status, or open financial accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I get a cell phone with EIN number only?
    Yes, but most carriers also require a credit check tied to your SSN unless your business has established strong credit under its EIN.
  2. Do sole proprietors need an EIN?
    Not always, but many sole proprietors obtain one to separate business and personal finances and avoid using their SSN.
  3. Does an EIN help build business credit?
    Yes. Using your EIN with banks, lenders, and vendors helps establish a separate business credit profile over time.
  4. Is an EIN the same as a tax ID number?
    Yes. EIN is a type of Tax Identification Number (TIN) issued by the IRS specifically for businesses.
  5. Can I open a bank account with an EIN?
    Yes. Most banks require an EIN to open business checking or savings accounts, especially for LLCs and corporations.

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