Employer Identification Number (EIN)

What this is

An EIN is the federal tax identification number for your business. It is required to open a business bank account, hire employees, and file business tax returns, and it is used to verify your business identity during underwriting.

Before you start

• A completed business registration (entity name and formation state)
• The name and Social Security Number or ITIN of the responsible party
• A U.S. mailing address for the business

How to get it — step by step

1. 1

   Go to the IRS “Apply for an EIN online” tool. It is free — never pay a third party for an EIN.

2. 2

   Complete the application in one session (the tool times out after 15 minutes of inactivity).

3. 3

   Select your entity type so it matches your state registration exactly.

4. 4

   Receive the EIN immediately on screen and download the CP 575 confirmation letter (PDF).

5. 5

   Upload the EIN letter to your Commercial Finance Partnership documents for verification.