The Federal Tax ID Number (also known as the Employer Identification Number or EIN) is a number used to identify your organization. An EIN can be obtained by applying online through the IRS website, by mail or over the phone. If applying online, you will receive your number immediately.
To apply online:
- Go to the IRS’ Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online web site:
- Click 'Apply online now' at the bottom of the page.
- Once you have read the instructions on the page, click 'Begin Application'.
- Select the 'View Additional Types, Including Tax-Exempt and Governmental Organizations' option when asked, “What type of legal structure is applying for an EIN?”
- Any of the following options may describe your type of organization:
- Church-Controlled Organization
- Community or Volunteer Group
- Political Organization
- Social or Savings Club
- Sports Teams (community)
- Once your selection is made, click 'Continue'.
- Confirm your selection and click 'Continue'.
- Enter the information for the responsible individual. While the form requires the individual to enter his/her Social Security Number (SSN), it is still the EIN that is used to open an account. The individual’s SSN is obtained for verification purposes only.
- Select whether you are an officer or member of the organization or whether you are applying for the EIN as a third party on behalf of the organization then click 'Continue'.
- Enter the address information for your organization and click 'Continue'.
- Enter the requested information about your organization and its activities in the next 4 steps and click 'Continue' when you are done.
- Select whether you would like to receive your EIN confirmation letter online or by mail and click 'Continue'.
- Once you receive the information, retain it in your student organization files for current and future leadership.
For assistance you should contact the IRS directly. They can be reached at 1.800.829.4933.