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Tax service

Tax ID applications.

Apply for a Social Security number or an Employer Identification Number the official way — free, direct, and on government websites only.

Both applications are free — agencies never charge. You enter numbers only on official agency sites.
Form SS-5

Social Security number (SSN)

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

A nine-digit number Social Security issues to U.S. citizens and eligible residents. You need one to work and to file federal taxes.

How to apply

  1. 1Complete Form SS-5. You can fill it out before you go, or at a Social Security office.
  2. 2Gather original documents: proof of age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or immigration status.
  3. 3Take or mail your form and documents to your local Social Security office.
  4. 4Your card arrives by mail, usually about 2 to 4 weeks after Social Security verifies your documents.

What you need

  • Form SS-5 (completed with Social Security only)
  • Original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted
  • Proof of age, identity, and citizenship or immigration status

Applying is always free, and only Social Security can issue an SSN. Replacement cards are limited to three per year and ten in a lifetime.

Start on the official website
IRS online application

Employer Identification Number (EIN)

INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE

A nine-digit tax ID for your business from the IRS. It is used to file business taxes, hire employees, and open certain business accounts.

How to apply

  1. 1Confirm you are the responsible party for the business — the person who actually controls it.
  2. 2Apply on IRS.gov during service hours. The online application issues your EIN immediately.
  3. 3If you cannot apply online, file Form SS-4 by fax or mail with the IRS.
  4. 4Save your CP 575 confirmation letter. You will need it for tax filings and business records.

What you need

  • Responsible party name, SSN or ITIN (entered only on IRS.gov)
  • Legal business name, address, and structure
  • Reason for applying, such as starting a business or hiring employees

The IRS never charges for an EIN, and you can only get one EIN per responsible party per day. Apply only through irs.gov — look-alike sites that charge a fee are not the IRS.

Start on the official website

A tax ID verifies identity for taxes and work. It does not create income, refunds, or benefits on its own.

Beware of look-alike sites.

Only ssa.gov issues Social Security numbers and only irs.gov issues EINs. Any site charging a fee for these applications is not the government.