What is an EIN or Employee Identification Number?

Answer:
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the federal Tax Identification Number (TIN)

assigned to United States business entities. Every American corporation and partnership, as well as all other U.S. businesses that have one or more employees, is required to have an EIN.

Businesses must have an EIN to file their tax returns and to deposit payroll taxes. Business owners can apply for an EIN by calling 800 829-4933 or by completing and submitting IRS form SS-4, which is available for download at the IRS website . It generally takes approximately four to five weeks to receive an EIN after submitting a completed application.