ss4_form

IRS SS-4 - EIN Application

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Zendocs is not affiliated with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Everything You Need to Know About IRS Form SS-4

What is Form SS-4?
Form SS-4 is the official IRS application for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This nine-digit number acts as a federal tax ID for your business, trust, estate, or organization. It is required for filing certain tax returns, opening a business bank account, hiring employees, or applying for business licenses. Unlike a Social Security Number (SSN), which identifies individuals, an EIN identifies entities.

Who needs an EIN (via SS-4)?
Not every taxpayer needs an EIN, but many do. You must file Form SS-4 if you:

  • Operate a corporation, partnership, or multi-member LLC.
  • Hire employees and must file payroll taxes.
  • Run a nonprofit, trust, estate, or pension plan.
  • File excise taxes (alcohol, tobacco, firearms, fuel, etc.).
    Act as a withholding agent for nonresident aliens.
  • Need to establish business credit or a separate bank account under a business name.
  • Even sole proprietors may apply for an EIN to keep their SSN private and separate personal vs. business finances.

Why is an EIN important?

  • Acts as your business identity number for the IRS and banks.
  • Required to process federal employment and business taxes.
  • Used when applying for business loans, credit lines, or licenses.
  • Ensures compliance with IRS regulations.
  • Protects owners from using their SSN on business documents, lowering identity theft risks.

Submission methods

  • Online: Fastest; EIN issued immediately (available to U.S.-based applicants).
  • Fax: 4 business days (confirmation sent back).
  • Mail: Up to 4 weeks.
  • Phone: For international applicants only.

Validity & Maintenance

  • EINs never expire and are tied permanently to the entity.
  • If business ownership or structure changes (e.g., sole proprietor converts to a corporation), a new EIN may be required.
  • The IRS maintains EIN assignments in its Centralized Authorization File (CAF).

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Using SSN instead of applying for an EIN when required.
  • Applying for multiple EINs unnecessarily.
  • Selecting the wrong entity type (leads to wrong tax obligations).
  • Forgetting to include responsible party details.

FAQ

Simple 3-Step Process

Step 1: Fill Out The Form

1. Fill Out The Form

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Step 2: Add Your Signature

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Step 3: Download or share

3. Download or share

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Step 1: Fill Out The Form

1. Fill Out The Form

Fill in your details and information, add date and customize as needed

Step 2: Add Your Signature

2. Add Your Signature

Add legally-binding signature by drawing, uploading, or typing

Step 3: Download or share

3. Download or share

Your form is ready, download, share link or send via email instantly

Step 1: Fill Out The Form

1. Fill Out The Form

Fill in your details and information, add date and customize as needed

Step 2: Add Your Signature

2. Add Your Signature

Add legally-binding signature by drawing, uploading, or typing

Step 3: Download or share

3. Download or share

Your form is ready, download, share link or send via email instantly

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Sophie Frank
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I was skeptical about editing pdfs on my phone, but Zendocs made it work smoothly. Filled out a freelance w9 while waiting for my coffee. No issues at all.

United States5 days ago
Eugene Campbell
Verified Customer

I'm a screenwriter and mark up my drafts often. Tried the annotate pdf tool here – it was actually pleasant to use. Notes stuck where I placed them, colors were clear, and export kept everything intact. Beats printing 80 pages every time.

United States2 days ago
Bruno Simmons
Verified Customer

Used ZenDocs to split up a 100-page policy doc into smaller team manuals. It was quick, intuitive, and didn't crash once – even with that massive file.

United States1 day ago
Mindy Reid
Verified Customer

Compiled my speaker bio, session outline, and visual aids into one file for a conference. ZenDocs let me combine them fast and add bookmarks for each section. This made navigating during my talk so much easier. I even re-uploaded the final version to make a few changes – every step was smooth. Really appreciated how consistent the UI was.

United States1 day ago
Laura Martinez
Verified Customer

I needed to add quick comments to student feedback forms and the annotate pdf feature on zen docs made it painless. No crashes, super clean interface – definitely easier than Adobe's bloated editor.

United States1 day ago
A Costa
Verified Customer

ZenDocs has the cleanest interface I've used. Edited a PDF proposal, reordered some sections, and exported without hassle. It just works.

United States1 day ago
Sophie Frank
Verified Customer

I was skeptical about editing pdfs on my phone, but Zendocs made it work smoothly. Filled out a freelance w9 while waiting for my coffee. No issues at all.

United States5 days ago
Eugene Campbell
Verified Customer

I'm a screenwriter and mark up my drafts often. Tried the annotate pdf tool here – it was actually pleasant to use. Notes stuck where I placed them, colors were clear, and export kept everything intact. Beats printing 80 pages every time.

United States2 days ago
Bruno Simmons
Verified Customer

Used ZenDocs to split up a 100-page policy doc into smaller team manuals. It was quick, intuitive, and didn't crash once – even with that massive file.

United States1 day ago
Mindy Reid
Verified Customer

Compiled my speaker bio, session outline, and visual aids into one file for a conference. ZenDocs let me combine them fast and add bookmarks for each section. This made navigating during my talk so much easier. I even re-uploaded the final version to make a few changes – every step was smooth. Really appreciated how consistent the UI was.

United States1 day ago
Laura Martinez
Verified Customer

I needed to add quick comments to student feedback forms and the annotate pdf feature on zen docs made it painless. No crashes, super clean interface – definitely easier than Adobe's bloated editor.

United States1 day ago
A Costa
Verified Customer

ZenDocs has the cleanest interface I've used. Edited a PDF proposal, reordered some sections, and exported without hassle. It just works.

United States1 day ago
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IRS SS-4 Form - Apply for an EIN | Zendocs