WASHINGTON
— Taxpayers can now request an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through
a Web-based system that instantly processes requests and generates identification
numbers in real time, the Internal Revenue Service announced today.
"This
new and improved online application will reduce the time it takes taxpayers to
get an EIN," said Richard Morgante, Commissioner of the IRS Wage & Investment
Division. "Essentially they can get one while they wait –– within
minutes."
Here's how it works. A taxpayer accesses
the Internet EIN system through IRS.gov and enters the required information. If
the information passes the automatic validity checks, the IRS issues a permanent
EIN to the taxpayer. If the information does not pass the validity checks, it
is rejected. The taxpayer then has an opportunity to correct the information and
resubmit the application.
The Internet EIN application is
interactive and asks questions tailored to the type of entity the taxpayer is
establishing. This is similar to popular tax processing software packages on the
market.
The system provides "help" screens throughout
the application process. This means taxpayers will no longer have to print the
EIN instructions and separately search for answers while requesting an EIN.
When
the EIN application process is complete, a taxpayer has the option to view, print
and save his or her confirmation notice, as opposed to waiting for the IRS to
mail it. Third parties authorized by the taxpayer can also be provided with the
EIN, but the third party cannot view, print or save the confirmation notice. Instead,
the confirmation notice is mailed to the taxpayer.
An EIN
assigned through Internet submission is immediately recognized by IRS systems.
Taxpayers can begin using the EIN immediately for most business purposes.
