How An EIN Benefits The Self-Employed

An Employer Identification Number or EIN is a unique nine-digit tax identification number issued to businesses by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The EIN is also known as a FEIN or Federal Employer Identification Number. Some people also use terms like Federal Tax ID Number (FTIN) and Federal EIN Number to describe an EIN.

EINs are generally used by businesses that have employees.

However, sole proprietors and general partners can apply for an EIN from the IRS even if they do not plan to hire employees.

EINs benefit business owners in the US several ways, from reducing the risk of identity theft to making it easier to open a business bank account.

EIN Security Benefits

Using an EIN can reduce the risk of identity theft for business owners. 

An EIN can be used instead of a Social Security Number (SSN) on a variety of business, banking and tax forms. 

Unlike a personal SSN, which is a key to unlocking personal financial information, a business owner’s EIN is not directly linked to personal credit information and finances.

It is difficult for someone who only knows a business EIN number to open credit cards and bank accounts in a business owner’s name.

EINs and Official Documents

Many business license and tax registration forms used by cities, counties, states and the federal government require an EIN. 

A lot of those official documents can be viewed by members of the public.

That means if your social security number is on a license or tax form, it could become public knowledge at some point.

It is safer to use an EIN instead of your social security number on those forms.

If you buy supplies and equipment wholesale to sell to others (for example, you buy microfiber cloths in bulk to sell to your customers), some wholesale companies want your EIN number before they sell to you.

This helps you since your social security number is not floating around an office in unsecured paper files or “in the cloud” on the internet where hackers can grab it and open accounts in your name.

EINs and Subcontractors

EINs can be used on forms given to non-employee workers (such as subcontractors) or suppliers. 

If you do business with subcontractors during the year and pay those workers more than $600, you have to send them a IRS tax Form 1099-MISC early the next year.

On Form 1099-MISC, the business owner must enter a tax identification number, which could be a social security number or an employer identification number (EIN).

To guard against possible identity theft, it is better to use an EIN than revealing a social security number.

Other Common Uses For EINs

An EIN can help with opening a business bank account at a commercial bank.

Some commercial banks require proof of EINs from sole proprietors and other business owners to open a checking account, apply for a business loan or a business credit card.

With an EIN, a non-US citizen can start a business in the US.

An EIN also helps a non-citizen apply for a business credit card or open a business bank account in the US. 

Non-US citizens can apply for an EIN by contacting the IRS.

An EIN makes it easier to start hiring employees or using subcontractors, if you decide that is the next step in your cleaning business.

EINs are also commonly used by business owners if they buy or inherit a business, set up a retirement plan or file for bankruptcy.

Related: Get another important code to start your cleaning business.

EIN Rules For The Self-Employed

For the self-employed, an EIN will remains the same throughout the life of your business unless the legal form or ownership of your business changes.

Sole proprietors are required to get a new EIN if they:

General partners are required to get a new EIN if:

Related: Self-Employed House Cleaner’s Deep Guide to Cleaning Business Partnerships

How To Get An EIN

EINs are issued by the IRS for free. EIN applications can be done online, by mail, fax or for foreign applicants, by phone.

Apply for an EIN online.  

An EIN can be used right away for many business needs such as:

An EIN Is A Handy Tool

An EIN is a handy number for the self-employed. Using an EIN instead of a social security number helps keep sensitive personal information off public forms.

EINs are used for banking and credit applications. Some equipment and supply vendors prefer to do business with other businesses that have EINs. 

Cities, counties, states and the federal government require EINs on a variety of licenses, registrations and tax forms.

EIN numbers can provides many benefits for self-employed cleaning business owners.

Getting an EIN should be one of the first things you do when you form your legal business.