Is a FEIN the Same as a Tax ID Number?

No — a FEIN is one specific type of tax ID, not the same thing as all tax IDs

A FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit identifier the IRS issues to businesses, nonprofits, and other entities that have employees or file certain tax returns. A tax ID number is a broader category that includes the FEIN but also includes other numbers like your Social Security Number (SSN) if you're self-employed, an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) if you don't have an SSN, or an EIN used for other purposes. Think of it this way: all FEINs are tax IDs, but not all tax IDs are FEINs.

The confusion happens because people often use "tax ID" and "FEIN" interchangeably when talking about business taxes. But the IRS recognizes different types of tax identification depending on what you are and what you do. Knowing which one you actually need matters when you're opening a business bank account, hiring staff, or filing returns.

Key Takeaways

A FEIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS specifically to businesses, partnerships, nonprofits, and trusts that have employees or file certain tax forms.
Tax ID is the umbrella term for any number the IRS uses to identify you for tax purposes, including SSN, ITIN, and FEIN.
If you're self-employed with no employees, you typically use your Social Security Number as your tax ID instead of a FEIN.
You need a FEIN if you have employees, operate as a corporation or partnership, or file certain business tax returns, regardless of your citizenship status.
The IRS issues FEINs for free; you can obtain one by mail, phone, or online through the IRS website.

When you need a FEIN instead of just an SSN

If you're a sole proprietor with no employees, you can use your Social Security Number as your tax ID on your business return (Schedule C). You don't need a FEIN. But the moment you hire even one employee, you must have a FEIN. The same applies if you operate as a partnership, LLC taxed as a corporation, S corporation, C corporation, nonprofit, trust, or estate.

You also need a FEIN if you're required to file certain tax forms even without employees — for example, if you operate a Keogh plan, file excise tax returns, or run a business that withholds taxes. If you're not sure whether your structure requires one, the IRS website has a worksheet that walks through the decision.

Non-citizens and people without a Social Security Number can still get a FEIN. You don't need to be a U.S. citizen or have an SSN to obtain one. This is one reason the FEIN is broader than just "a business version of an SSN" — it serves entities that fall outside the normal individual tax ID system.

How a FEIN differs from other tax IDs

Your Social Security Number is your personal tax ID. It stays with you for life and is used on your individual tax return (Form 1040) and on business returns if you're self-employed with no employees. An ITIN is a tax ID for non-citizens who don't have an SSN but need to file U.S. tax returns or claim certain credits. A FEIN is separate from all of these — it's tied to your business entity, not to you personally.

This matters in practice. If you're a sole proprietor and you close your business, your FEIN goes away, but your SSN doesn't. If you sell your business to someone else, the new owner gets a new FEIN; the old one is retired. Your SSN, by contrast, follows you across all your business ventures. On a business bank account, the bank will ask for your FEIN (if you have one) or your SSN (if you don't), but not both.

The IRS also treats them differently in terms of privacy and public records. A FEIN can appear on public documents like business licenses or court filings. Your SSN is protected more carefully and should not appear on public records.

How to tell which number you actually have

A FEIN is always nine digits, formatted as XX-XXXXXXX (two digits, hyphen, seven digits). Your Social Security Number is also nine digits but formatted as XXX-XX-XXXX (three digits, hyphen, two digits, hyphen, four digits). An ITIN follows the SSN format but starts with 9 (9XX-XX-XXXX). If you're looking at a nine-digit number and you're not sure which type it is, the format and the first digit can help you narrow it down.

If you've already been issued a FEIN, you should have received it in a letter from the IRS. That letter will say "Federal Employer Identification Number" at the top. If you're not sure whether you have one, you can contact the IRS at 800-829-4933 and provide your business name and address; they can tell you whether a FEIN is on file.

Getting a FEIN if you need one

The IRS issues FEINs for free. You can obtain one online through the IRS website (irs.gov), by phone at 800-829-4933, by fax, or by mail using Form SS-4. The online method is fastest — you can get your FEIN when ready after you submit the form, and the IRS will email you a confirmation. By phone, you'll receive it during the call. By mail, it takes about four weeks.

You'll need to provide your business name, address, the type of entity (sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, etc.), and the reason you're requesting a FEIN. If you're a non-citizen, you'll need an ITIN or a valid passport or visa. The form is straightforward, and the IRS website walks you through it step by step.

Once you have a FEIN, it doesn't expire. You keep it for as long as your business exists. If your business closes, you don't need to do anything — the FEIN straightforward becomes inactive. If you start a new business later, you'll need a new FEIN.

Using your FEIN on business documents and returns

Once you have a FEIN, you'll use it on all your business tax returns, including Form 1120 (corporate return), Form 1065 (partnership return), Form 1040-SE (self-employment tax), and payroll tax forms like Form 941 (quarterly payroll return). You'll also provide it to your bank when you open a business account, to your accountant, and to anyone who needs to report payments to you (like a client issuing a 1099 form).

If you have both an SSN and a FEIN — which is common for sole proprietors with employees — you use the FEIN on business documents and the SSN on personal documents. Don't mix them up. Banks, the IRS, and payroll processors all expect the right number in the right place.

What happens if you use the wrong number

If you use your SSN where a FEIN should go (or vice versa), the IRS and your bank may reject the form or deposit. Payroll processors may not be able to match your payment to the right account. Tax returns filed with the wrong number can be delayed or rejected. If you've already made this mistake, contact the IRS or your bank to correct it — it's usually a straightforward fix if caught early.

The IRS also uses your FEIN to track business tax compliance. If you're supposed to have a FEIN and you don't, the IRS may assess penalties or flag your return for review. If you're unsure whether you need one, it's safer to get one than to guess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Social Security Number instead of a FEIN if I have employees?

No. If you have employees, you must have a FEIN. The IRS requires it for payroll tax reporting and withholding. Using your SSN instead will cause your payroll returns to be rejected.

Do I need a FEIN if I'm a sole proprietor with no employees?

Not necessarily. You can use your Social Security Number as your tax ID on your business return. However, some sole proprietors get a FEIN anyway for privacy reasons or to keep business and personal finances separate. It's optional unless you have employees or file certain forms.

Is a FEIN the same as an EIN?

FEIN and EIN are often used interchangeably. FEIN stands for Federal Employer Identification Number, and EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. The IRS now uses "EIN" as the official term, but both refer to the same nine-digit number.

What if I lose my FEIN letter from the IRS?

You can contact the IRS at 800-829-4933 with your business name and address, and they'll provide your FEIN over the phone. You can also request a new letter by mail. Your FEIN doesn't change, so you don't need to reapply.

Can a non-citizen get a FEIN?

Yes. Non-citizens can obtain a FEIN if they operate a business in the United States. You'll need a valid passport, visa, or ITIN. Citizenship is not required.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.