T
The Daily Insight

Do I need an EIN to sell products online?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Published Apr 06, 2026

1. Make sure you really need one. The IRS requires you to get an EIN if your online store is in the United States or a U.S. territory and you have employees, you withhold taxes on the wages and salaries you pay, or you operate the business as a corporation or partnership.

Does a home based business need an EIN?

If your business is a partnership or a corporation, then you must have a home business EIN number. LLCs and sole proprietorships do not automatically need an EIN, even for home businesses. Businesses that have employees, file excise tax returns or file pensions must have a tax ID number.

How do I submit ss-4 to IRS?

Apply by mail. Complete Form SS-4 at least 4 to 5 weeks before you will need an EIN. Sign and date the application and mail it to the appropriate address listed in Where To File or Fax, later. You will receive your EIN in the mail in approximately 4 weeks. Also, see Third-Party Designee, later.

What do you need to know about form SS-4?

Use Form SS-4 to apply for an EIN. An EIN is a 9-digit number (for example, 12-3456789) assigned to sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts, and other entities for tax filing and reporting purposes. The information you provide on this form will establish your business tax account.

Is there a form SS-4 for sole proprietorships?

There is just one IRS Form SS-4 that covers all enterprises in addition to sole proprietorships. The official IRS Form SS-4 Part 9a “ Type of Entity ” is the place you choose the kind of EIN you require, for instance:

What is the Ein number on form SS-4?

An EIN is a 9-digit number (for example, 12-3456789) assigned to employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts, certain individuals, and other entities for tax filing and reporting purposes. Form SS-4.

When to complete the third party designee section of form SS-4?

Complete the Third Party Designee section only if you want to authorize the named individual to receive the entity’s EIN and answer questions about the completion of Form SS-4. The designee’s authority terminates at the time the EIN is assigned and released to the designee.