What are EIN and TIN numbers?

Learn the difference between the Federal TIN and Federal EIN and why you need them.

The Employer ID Number (EIN) and Taxpayer ID Number (TIN) are identification numbers the Internal Revenue Service uses to track tax info.

The EIN identifies business entities, while a TIN identifies individual taxpayers. To learn more, visit the official IRS website.

Learn about the EIN

The IRS assigns Employer ID Numbers, also known as Federal Tax Identification Numbers, to business entities. In general, the IRS uses EINs to track payroll tax liabilities and payments.

• All employers must have an EIN.
• Usually, household employers can't use their Social Security Number as an EIN. However, if they got an EIN while they were a sole proprietor, they can use that EIN.
• Sole proprietors may be able to use their Social Security number as their EIN if (1) the business has no employees and (2) isn't required to file excise, employment, alcohol, tobacco, or firearms returns.

To learn more and get official documentation, visit the official IRS website.

Get an EIN

To apply for an EIN and learn more about the requirements, visit the IRS website. Applying online is the fastest way to get an EIN.

Enter your EIN in QuickBooks

• Learn how to change your EIN in QuickBooks Online
• Learn how to change your EIN in QuickBooks Desktop