This is the common question that we come across in our support center. Yes, EIN (Employer Identification Number) or the Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN) is a must to file 2290 tax returns electronically with the IRS.
What is EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, and is used to identify a business entity. Generally, businesses need an EIN. You may apply for an EIN in various ways, and now you may apply online. This is a free service offered by the Internal Revenue Service and you can get your EIN immediately. You must check with your state to make sure you need a state number or charter.
EIN is a nine-digit number that IRS assigns in the following format: XX-XXXXXXX. It is used to identify the tax accounts of employers and certain others who have no employees. However, for employee plans, an alphabet (for example, P) or the plan number (e.g., 003) may follow the EIN. The IRS uses the number to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax returns. EINs are used by employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, non-profit associations, trusts, estates of decedents, government agencies, certain individuals, and other business entities. Use your EIN on all of the items that you send to the IRS and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Note: An EIN is for use in connection with your business activities only. Do not use your EIN in place of your social security number (SSN).
Do You Need an EIN?
You will need an EIN if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions.
| Do you have employees? | YES | NO |
| Do you operate your business as a corporation or a partnership? | YES | NO |
| Do you file any of these tax returns: Employment, Excise, or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms? | YES | NO |
| Do you withhold taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident alien? | YES | NO |
| Do you have a Keogh plan? | YES | NO |
| Are you involved with any of the following types of organizations?
· Trusts, except certain grantor-owned revocable trusts, IRAs, Exempt Organization Business Income Tax Returns · Estates · Real estate mortgage investment conduits · Non-profit organizations · Farmers’ cooperatives · Plan administrators |
YES | NO |
How to apply for EIN online?
The EIN application can be made online at the IRS.gov official website of IRS. Check out here for more information and also to apply online.
More of your questions answered here, check out to different scenarios and situations beside EIN.
Otherwise use Form SS-4, to manually file for your EIN.
More Information on EIN:
You should have only one EIN for the same business entity. If you have more than one EIN and are not sure which one to use, call the Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 (TTY/TDD users can call 1-800-829-4059).
Provide the numbers that you have, the name and address to which each was assigned, and the address of your main place of business. The IRS will tell you which number to use.
If you do not have your EIN by the time your return is due, write “Applied For” and the date that you applied for it in the space shown for the number.
Understanding Your EIN : to understand more on your EIN check out here
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