Form SS-4
Application for Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) — the number the IRS uses to identify a business, similar to a Social Security Number for a person.
Editing happens entirely in your browser — the form is never uploaded to a server.
What is Form SS-4?
Form SS-4 is how a business, trust, estate, non-profit, or other entity applies for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) — a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to identify the entity for tax filing and reporting.
Most people apply online at IRS.gov and get an EIN immediately; the paper SS-4 is for applicants who can't use the online system (for example, entities without a principal place of business in the US) or who need to apply by fax or mail.
The form asks for the entity's legal structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership, and so on) up front, since that choice determines a few of the other questions on the rest of the form.
- Who needs it
- Anyone starting a business that will have employees or operate as a corporation or partnership, plus trusts, estates and non-profits that need their own tax ID separate from an individual's SSN. Most banks also require an EIN to open a business account.
- Deadline
- No deadline — apply whenever you're forming the entity or opening a business bank account.
- How to submit
- The IRS strongly prefers the free online EIN application at IRS.gov, which issues the EIN instantly during business hours. If you use this paper form instead, fax it to the IRS service center for your state (about 4 business days) or mail it (up to 4 weeks).
Form SS-4 — line-by-line
Line 1 — Legal name
The entity's legal name, exactly as it will appear on tax filings.
Line 8a — Type of entity
Sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership, trust, estate, church, and so on — this drives several later questions.
Line 9a — Reason for applying
Started a new business, hired employees, banking purposes, changed organization type, and so on.
Line 10 — Date business started or acquired
When the entity began, or when you acquired it.
Line 13 — Expected number of employees
Your estimate for the next 12 months, split into agricultural, household, and other.
Line 18 — Prior EIN
Check whether the entity (or its responsible party) has ever applied for an EIN before.
Form SS-4 — frequently asked questions
Is there a faster way than mailing this form?+
Yes — the free online EIN application at IRS.gov issues an EIN immediately for most applicants. The paper SS-4 is mainly for those who can't use the online tool.
Is there a fee for an EIN?+
No. An EIN is always free directly from the IRS — be wary of any site that charges for one.
Can I use my SSN instead of an EIN?+
A sole proprietor with no employees can often use their SSN, but many banks and some 1099 payers require an EIN for a business account or to keep your SSN off business paperwork.
What is a 'responsible party'?+
The individual who ultimately owns or controls the entity, or exercises effective control over it — the IRS requires their SSN or ITIN on the form.
Related forms
The blank Form SS-4 offered here is the version published by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Official page and instructions .
PDFCure is not a government agency and does not provide tax, legal, or immigration advice. This page is general information — for your specific situation, follow the official instructions or consult a qualified professional. Always download the current edition from the agency before filing. Revision referenced: December 2025.