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EIN for Nonprofits: How to Obtain One (2026 guide)
April 10, 2026
Before you can open a bank account, apply for grants, or file for 501(c)(3) status, you'll need one thing: an EIN. This guide covers what an EIN is, why your nonprofit needs one, and how to apply — step by step.
⚡TL;DR — The Short Answer
An EIN is a 9-digit federal tax ID for your nonprofit — format: XX-XXXXXXX. You need one before you can open a bank account, apply for 501(c)(3) status, run payroll, or apply for grants. Applying is free through the IRS — don't pay a third-party site to do it for you.
Fastest method: Apply online at IRS.gov and get your EIN immediately. Fax takes a few days; mail takes weeks.
What you'll need: Your nonprofit's legal name, incorporation date, state, and the responsible party's SSN or ITIN.
EINs don't expire — but you may need a new one if your org's legal structure changes.
Look up any nonprofit's EIN: Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search or check their Form 990.
Before you can open a bank account, apply for grants, or file for 501(c)(3) status, you'll need one thing: an EIN.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federal tax ID for your organization — similar to a Social Security number, but for a business or nonprofit. It's used to identify your organization for tax and financial purposes, and both nonprofits and for-profit businesses are required to have one.
An EIN follows a standard format set by the Internal Revenue Service: XX-XXXXXXX
The first two digits identify the issuing location or system
The remaining seven digits are unique to your organization
For example, an EIN might look like 12-3456789, and appear at the top right corner of your EIN letter from the IRS.
Where you'll see your EIN (IRS confirmation letter)
After you apply, the IRS sends an official confirmation notice called a CP 575 letter.
This is one of the most important documents to keep on file. It's your official proof of your EIN.
You'll typically find your EIN:
Near the top of the letter
Labeled clearly as "Employer Identification Number"
Included alongside your organization's legal name and address
EIN vs. Tax ID vs. TIN: What's the difference for nonprofits?
You'll often see terms like "EIN," "Tax ID," and "TIN" used interchangeably, which can get confusing fast. Here's a simple way to understand it:
A TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) is the broad, umbrella term used by the Internal Revenue Service for any type of tax identification number. An EIN is a specific type of TIN used for organizations, including nonprofits.
There are several forms of a TIN, which can include:
If you're starting or running a nonprofit, the EIN is the number you're applying for and using.
"Tax ID" isn't an official IRS designation, but it's a general term people use to refer to any tax identification number. For nonprofits, when someone says "What's your tax ID?" they're almost always referring to your EIN.
A quick way to remember it all:
TIN = umbrella term
EIN = the one nonprofits use
Tax ID = casual way of saying EIN (in most cases)
How to find or verify a nonprofit's EIN
If you're trying to look up a nonprofit's EIN, it's usually because you're donating, doing due diligence, or handling paperwork that requires verification.
Most nonprofit organizations, or tax-exempt entities, need an EIN to apply for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service. Many nonprofits apply for tax-exempt status, but they still have filing requirements and must follow specific rules to maintain that status. The IRS uses EINs to track tax filings and compliance with federal tax regulations.
2. Opening a bank account
Most financial institutions require nonprofits to submit an employer identification number to open a business bank account. Opening an account for your nonprofit organization allows you to keep its funds separate from the directors' finances.
Many lenders require an EIN when applying for business loans or financing.
Nonprofits must have an EIN to report employment taxes to the IRS, including withholding income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes for employees.
If your nonprofit works with independent contractors, you may use your EIN when filing forms like 1099-NEC. In those cases, you typically collect the contractor's information using Form W-9.
A tax exempt organization must also use the EIN on 1099 forms sent to freelance professionals and contractors.
4. Complying with state laws
Some states require an EIN for tax registrations, business licenses, fundraising registrations, and other compliance activities. An EIN also helps establish the organization's credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of donors, partners, and stakeholders.
5. Applying for grants
Many foundations and corporations that provide nonprofit grants require organizations to have an EIN to apply for funding. This helps confirm that funding is going to a registered, trackable organization.
If you're starting or running a nonprofit, you'll need an EIN to operate legally and handle key financial tasks.
Most nonprofits need an EIN if they:
Plan to apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
Want to open a bank account in the organization's name
Intend to hire employees or run payroll
Need to file federal or state tax forms
How to get an EIN for your nonprofit: Application process
Method
Processing Time
Requirements
Cost
Online (IRS tool)
Immediate (if approved)
Responsible party must have SSN or ITIN; org must be U.S.-based
Free
Fax (Form SS-4)
Typically within a few business days
Completed Form SS-4
Free
Mail (Form SS-4)
Several weeks
Completed Form SS-4
Free
1. Check for eligibility
The IRS lets you apply for the EIN via an online application process, by fax, phone, or mail. To apply online you must meet:
Nonprofits must be located in the US or US territories
The responsible party must be an individual (not an entity) and must have an SSN or ITIN
You can still apply if you don't meet these qualifications — file Form SS-4 via fax or mail.
2. Gather required information
The IRS allows one online application session per responsible party each day. Gather everything you need before you start — the session expires after 15 minutes, and you can't save progress.
Here's what you'll need:
Corporation type
Full legal name and SSN or ITIN
Business address
Corporation name
Organization address
State where you're incorporated
The date you started or incorporated your organization
3. Submit the application
When you apply online, an EIN will be issued immediately after you fill out your application. Fax and mail applications can take longer to process.
If you believe your nonprofit qualifies for tax-exempt status, be sure it is formed legally before you apply for an employer identification number. The IRS requests the approved legal name and incorporation date.
2. Selecting the wrong business structure
Under IRS Section 501(c), different types of nonprofits are specified, including public charities, private foundations, trade associations, and pension funds. You must be clear about your organization's classification.
3. Designating the wrong person for the application
The IRS clearly states that the applicant should be an individual — typically the founder or principal officer who controls the nonprofit's finances and operations.
If there are any changes to the responsible party, you must file Form 8822-B with the IRS within 60 days of the change.
4. Filling out the wrong form or information
When applying online for an EIN, you must complete only one form. Form SS-4 is specifically designated for the employer identification number. Look for it on the official IRS website and carefully complete the necessary details.
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a tax identification number used for administrative and tax purposes, while 501(c)(3) status refers to a specific IRS designation granting tax-exempt status to eligible nonprofit organizations.
Applying for an EIN is completely free via the official IRS website. Be wary of websites that demand a fee — they may seem legitimate but will charge you once you're about to submit. Always apply through the official IRS site.
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Keep reading :
Nonprofit guides
Ultimate Guide to Nonprofit Board Responsibilities
Discover the key responsibilities of a nonprofit board and how they shape the organization's success. Learn about key roles, legal duties, and essential insurance coverage.
Ready to start making an impact in your community? Learn how to start a nonprofit using these steps, plus discover how you can do it all for free with Zeffy.
Look for people who attend related events, follow relevant Facebook groups, or subscribe to aligned newsletters.These aren’t just potential donors—they’re your future advocates.
Look for people who attend related events, follow relevant Facebook groups, or subscribe to aligned newsletters.These aren’t just potential donors—they’re your future advocates.
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