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Your business needs a tax ID before it can do almost anything. Open a bank account? Need an EIN. Hire employees? Need an EIN. File taxes? Need an EIN. An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number from the IRS that identifies your business. Think of it as a Social Security number for your company. Getting one takes about 5 minutes online, and it’s completely free.

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When you need an EIN

You need an EIN if you:
  • Have employees or plan to hire
  • Operate as a corporation or partnership
  • File employment, excise, or alcohol/tobacco/firearms tax returns
  • Withhold taxes on income paid to non-resident aliens
  • Have a Keogh plan
  • Are involved with trusts, estates, nonprofits, or certain other organizations
Even single-member LLCs with no employees usually need an EIN. Banks require it to open a business account, and using an EIN keeps your personal Social Security number off business documents.

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How Pluvel gets your EIN

When you form a company through Pluvel, we handle the EIN application automatically.
1

Formation approved

Once your state filing is complete, we have all the information needed.
2

IRS application

We submit your EIN application electronically within 24 hours of formation approval.
3

EIN issued

The IRS usually issues EINs within minutes during business hours. We add it to your Pluvel dashboard immediately.
4

Confirmation letter

The IRS mails a confirmation letter (CP 575) to your business address. Takes 4-6 weeks. You can use your EIN right away — no need to wait for the letter.

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EIN for existing businesses

If you have an existing business without an EIN:
  1. Go to Settings → Company → Tax Information
  2. Click Apply for EIN
  3. Confirm your business details
  4. We submit the application

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EIN format

EINs look like this: XX-XXXXXXX (e.g., 12-3456789) The first two digits indicate which IRS campus issued it. This doesn’t affect your taxes — it’s just administrative.

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When you need a new EIN

SituationNew EIN needed?
Change business nameNo
Change business addressNo
Change from sole prop to LLCYes
Change from LLC to corporationYes
Incorporate in a new stateDepends
New owner (partnership)Sometimes
BankruptcySometimes
Never use your personal Social Security Number when an EIN is required. Keep business and personal finances separate.

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What your EIN is used for

Your EIN appears on:
  • Business tax returns (Form 1120, 1120-S, 1065)
  • Employment tax returns (Form 941, 940)
  • Business bank accounts
  • Business credit applications
  • Vendor W-9 forms
  • 1099 forms you issue
  • Business licenses and permits

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Protecting your EIN

Your EIN isn’t as sensitive as a Social Security Number, but still protect it:
  • Share only with banks, vendors, and the IRS when required
  • Include on W-9 forms when clients request it
  • Don’t post it publicly on websites or social media

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Common questions

When applied for electronically (which is how Pluvel does it), you typically get your EIN within minutes during IRS business hours (7am-10pm ET, Monday-Friday). Applications outside these hours process when the IRS opens.
Sole proprietors without employees can use their SSN for business taxes. But most banks require an EIN to open a business account, and using an EIN keeps your SSN private.
Your EIN doesn’t change and never expires. If you forget it, check previous tax returns, bank statements, or call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.
No. Once issued, your EIN is permanent — even if you never use it or close the business.
Yes, through the IRS website (irs.gov) or by mailing Form SS-4. But Pluvel handles this automatically when you form with us.

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IRS resources

ResourceWhere to find it
Apply for EIN onlineirs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
EIN FAQirs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
Form SS-4 (paper application)irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-ss-4

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Where to find your EIN in Pluvel

Your EIN appears in several places:
  1. Dashboard → Company card shows your EIN
  2. Company → Details → Tax Information section
  3. Documents → CP 575 confirmation letter (once received)

View your EIN

Find your EIN in company settings.