Most corporations, partnerships, and LLCs with employees need an EIN; sole proprietors generally need one if they hire employees or operate as a business entity for tax reporting.

Yes. The IRS provides an online SS-4 application that issues EINs immediately for eligible applicants; use paper or fax alternatives if not eligible for online issuance.

What if I entered the wrong name?

If the legal name is incorrect, contact the IRS to correct the EIN record and update formation filings with the state; banks may require corrected documentation to open accounts.

Can a third party apply for me?

An authorized third-party designee can apply if they have written authorization; retain the authorization and signed documentation to support the designee's role.

Do I need to notarize SS-4?

The IRS does not require notarization for Form SS-4 itself, but supporting state formation or banking documents may require notarization depending on jurisdiction.

How do I update EIN information?

Notify the IRS of changes such as responsible party or mailing address using the appropriate IRS procedures and retain confirmation of the update.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Business EIN Application

Business EIN Application

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

BUSINESS EIN APPLICATION AGREEMENT

Parties

Client Name: Service Provider Name:

WHEREAS, Client operates or proposes to operate the business identified below (Business Legal Name: ), and requires the issuance of an employer identification number for tax and administrative purposes; and

WHEREAS, Service Provider represents that it has experience and authority to prepare and submit an application for such identification number on behalf of Client and to perform related administrative tasks; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth the terms and conditions under which Service Provider will prepare, complete, and, if authorized, submit the Business EIN application on behalf of Client.

Business EIN Application Data

Trade Name / DBA: Entity Type (check one):

Sole Proprietorship LLC Corporation Partnership Other:

Business Mailing Address: Business Physical Address (if different): County: Business Start Date: Primary Business Activity:

Responsible Party Information

Responsible Party Full Legal Name: Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN/ITIN/EIN):

Scope of Work

Service Provider shall prepare the Business EIN application package and shall, upon written authorization from Client, submit the application to the appropriate authority. Services include data compilation, completion of required forms, preparation of supporting documentation, correspondence necessary to secure the EIN, and reasonable follow-up until issuance or final determination. Service Provider shall not provide tax advice beyond completion of the application unless expressly retained to do so in writing.

Detailed Scope (additional specifics, deliverables, deadlines):

Payment Terms

In consideration for the services described, Client shall pay Service Provider the fees and according to the schedule set forth below. All amounts are payable in U.S. dollars.

Total Fee: Payment Schedule: Late Payment Fee:

Term and Termination

This Agreement commences on the Start Date and continues until completion of the services or the End Date, whichever occurs first, unless earlier terminated under this section.

Start Date: End Date: Termination Notice Period (days):

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach if the breach remains uncured after the notice period specified above. Upon termination, Client shall pay Service Provider for all work performed and costs reasonably incurred up to the effective date of termination.

Confidentiality

Each party acknowledges that it may receive confidential information of the other party. Confidential information shall not be disclosed to third parties and shall be used only for the purposes of performing this Agreement. Confidential information does not include information that is publicly available through no fault of the receiving party, independently developed, or rightfully received from a third party.

Representations and Certifications

Client represents and warrants that the information provided in this Agreement and in the Business EIN application data is true, correct, and complete to the best of Client's knowledge. Client authorizes Service Provider to act as Client's agent solely for the purpose of preparing and filing the Business EIN application and to sign documents on Client's behalf only when expressly authorized in writing.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of , without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Entire Agreement

This Agreement and any attachments constitute the entire agreement between the parties with respect to its subject matter and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, proposals, and communications, whether written or oral. Any amendment or modification must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Limitation of Liability

Except for liability resulting from willful misconduct or gross negligence, Service Provider's liability under this Agreement shall be limited to the total fees paid by Client to Service Provider under this Agreement.

Certification

By signing below, Client certifies that the information provided in this Agreement and in the Business EIN application data is true and accurate and that the signatory is authorized to bind Client. Client further acknowledges that Service Provider does not guarantee issuance of an identification number and will act only as agent in completing and submitting the application.

Client:

By:

Date:

Service Provider:

By:

Date:

What the Business EIN Application Is and When You Need It

A Business EIN Application is the formal request to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service using Form SS-4. The EIN is a federal tax identification number used to report employment taxes, file business tax returns, open bank accounts, apply for business licenses, and hire employees. Most entities—corporations, partnerships, certain LLCs, estates, and trusts—must obtain an EIN. The IRS issues EINs for U.S. entities and some foreign entities with U.S. tax obligations; applications may be submitted online, by mail, fax, or through an authorized third-party designee.

Why a Proper EIN Application Matters

Obtaining an EIN establishes your business identity for federal tax purposes, enables payroll and withholding, and is often required by banks and vendors. A correct application prevents processing delays, avoids backup withholding triggers, and ensures accurate tax reporting to the IRS.

Who Completes the Business EIN Application

Typical users include business owners, corporate officers, accountants, and authorized third-party designees who need a federal tax ID for reporting, banking, or hiring.

Small business owners and sole proprietors who hire employees or open business bank accounts.
Corporations, partnerships, and LLC managers filing business tax returns or payroll returns.
Accountants, payroll providers, and registered agents acting as authorized designees.

Ensure the person completing Form SS-4 has authority to provide entity details and accept IRS communications; incorrect or incomplete information can require resubmission.

Required Information and Core Fields

Legal Entity Name: Exact business name on formation documents

Trade Name: DBA if different from legal name

Entity Type: Corporation, LLC, Partnership, Sole Proprietor

Responsible Party: Name and SSN or ITIN

Mailing Address: Street, city, state, ZIP

Reason for Applying: Started new business, hired employees, etc.

Step-by-Step: Applying for a Business EIN

Complete Form SS-4 and submit it to the IRS using the method that fits your timeline and authority: online for immediate issuance, fax or mail for slower processing, or through an authorized third party.

01

Confirm eligibility: Verify entity needs an EIN and have formation documents ready.
02

Gather IDs: Collect SSN/ITIN for responsible party and authorized signer.
03

Complete SS-4: Fill required fields accurately; use full legal names.
04

Choose submission: Submit online for instant EIN or mail/fax for paper processing.

Where to File and How the IRS Processes the Application

Select the filing method that matches your need for speed and documentation: online is fastest, mail provides an original paper trail, and fax permits quicker processing than mail.

Online: IRS online EIN application — immediate EIN issuance
Fax: Fax SS-4 to IRS — faster than mail, confirmation via fax
Mail: Mail SS-4 for formal paper filing and archival copy
Third-Party: Authorized designee can apply on your behalf

Customizing an Online Submission Workflow

Configure the online workflow to capture required entity details, signer authentication, and a retained audit trail.

Field	Configuration
Responsible Party	Require SSN/ITIN and DOB for identity
Signature	Enable typed or drawn e-signature with timestamp
Authentication	Email + SMS code or advanced verification
Retention	Store copies and audit trail for required period

Digital Signing and eSubmission Considerations

Use secure eSignature workflows that meet ESIGN and UETA requirements when submitting SS-4 electronically or retaining signed authorizations.

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
Storage: AES-256 at rest
Integrations: Connect to accounting and CRM systems

Maintain an audit trail showing intent, attribution, and retention to satisfy federal requirements and support any future IRS inquiries.

eSignature Vendor Pricing Comparison for EIN Workflows

Compare common eSignature providers for submitting and retaining EIN applications and related authorizations; signNow is listed first per platform conventions.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	Yes, 7-day trial	No	No	No	No
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Common Mistakes When Preparing an EIN Application

Using an informal trade name instead of the legal entity name causes mismatches with state filings and bank records.
Entering the wrong responsible party SSN/ITIN prevents IRS correspondence and can trigger identity verification delays.
Applying through an unauthorized third party without written authorization can cause the IRS to reject the application.
Failing to retain the audit trail or signed authorization makes it difficult to prove consent in case of disputes.

Penalties and Risks of Incorrect or Delayed EIN Filing

Backup Withholding: 24% withholding risk

Tax Filing Errors: Incorrect EIN can misdirect returns

Payroll Penalties: Late or wrong EIN triggers payroll fines

Identity Risk: Mismatched responsible party info delays processing

Business Disruption: Bank account setup may be blocked

Authorized Agent Issues: Improper authorization may void application

Tips for Accurate and Efficient EIN Completion

Apply these practical steps to reduce errors and speed issuance.

Verify Legal Names and Formation Dates

Confirm the legal entity name and formation date against state formation records before submitting Form SS-4; discrepancies prevent banks and the IRS from matching records and may require corrected filings.

Designate a Responsible Party Carefully

Choose an individual who has control over the business's funds and can provide SSN/ITIN; the IRS will use this contact for critical notices and identity verification.

Use the IRS Online Application When Possible

Submitting the SS-4 online yields immediate EIN issuance for eligible applicants and eliminates mail/fax delays; retain the confirmation page for your records.

Retain Signed Authorizations and Audit Trails

Keep copies of signed authorizations, emails, and eSignature audit trails for at least the IRS-recommended retention period to support tax reporting and any future inquiries.

Timing and Deadlines to Keep in Mind

While the IRS does not impose a fixed deadline to request an EIN, timing impacts payroll, tax filing, and withholding obligations.

Before Hiring:

Obtain EIN before paying employees

Bank Account Opening:

Provide EIN when opening business accounts

Tax Return Filings:

EIN should be available before filing business returns

Payroll Tax Deposits:

EIN required to report and remit payroll taxes

1099 Reporting:

Collect payees' EINs/TINs before year-end reporting

Frequently Asked Questions About the Business EIN Application

Answers to common questions about who needs an EIN, how to apply, and what to do if information changes.

Need help? Contact support

Who needs an EIN?
Most corporations, partnerships, and LLCs with employees need an EIN; sole proprietors generally need one if they hire employees or operate as a business entity for tax reporting.
Can I apply online?
Yes. The IRS provides an online SS-4 application that issues EINs immediately for eligible applicants; use paper or fax alternatives if not eligible for online issuance.
What if I entered the wrong name?
If the legal name is incorrect, contact the IRS to correct the EIN record and update formation filings with the state; banks may require corrected documentation to open accounts.
Can a third party apply for me?
An authorized third-party designee can apply if they have written authorization; retain the authorization and signed documentation to support the designee's role.
Do I need to notarize SS-4?
The IRS does not require notarization for Form SS-4 itself, but supporting state formation or banking documents may require notarization depending on jurisdiction.
How do I update EIN information?
Notify the IRS of changes such as responsible party or mailing address using the appropriate IRS procedures and retain confirmation of the update.

be ready to get more

Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users

Sign Now