Ein Reference Number 101 | Lovie — US Company Formation

When you apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), also known as a Federal Tax Identification Number, from the IRS, you might encounter a reference number. This EIN reference number serves as a crucial tracking mechanism for your application, especially if you're applying by mail or fax, or if you need to follow up on its status. It's not the EIN itself, but rather a temporary identifier linked to your specific submission. Understanding its purpose and how to use it can streamline the process of obtaining your business’s tax ID, a foundational step for any new LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship operating in the United States. This guide will break down what an EIN reference number is, why it's important, and how it relates to your overall business formation journey with services like Lovie. For businesses formed in states like Delaware, California, or Texas, securing an EIN is a mandatory step before opening business bank accounts, hiring employees, or filing certain tax returns. While online applications often provide immediate confirmation, paper submissions require careful tracking. The reference number is your key to this tracking. It’s a unique code generated by the IRS to acknowledge receipt of your application and to facilitate any necessary communication or updates regarding your EIN status. Without it, resolving issues or confirming your application's progress can be significantly more challenging, potentially delaying critical business operations. Lovie helps thousands of entrepreneurs navigate these essential steps, ensuring their business formation is smooth and compliant from day one.

What Exactly is an EIN Reference Number?

An EIN reference number is a unique identifier assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to a specific EIN application. It is not your EIN itself, but rather a confirmation or tracking number associated with your submitted application. Think of it as a receipt number for your tax ID application. This number is particularly relevant when you apply for an EIN through methods other than the instant online application, such as by mail (Form SS-4) or fax. When the IRS receives your application,

It's a tracking number for your EIN application, not the EIN itself.
Primarily used for applications submitted via mail or fax.
Facilitates communication and status inquiries with the IRS.
Appears on IRS confirmation notices or fax confirmations.

Why is an EIN Reference Number Important?

The importance of an EIN reference number lies in its role as a communication and verification tool. When you're establishing a new business entity, such as a C-Corporation in New York or an S-Corporation in Texas, obtaining an EIN is a critical step. This number is required for various business activities, including opening bank accounts, hiring employees, and filing business taxes. If there are any issues with your EIN application, or if you need to confirm that the IRS has received and is pro

Essential for tracking EIN applications submitted by mail or fax.
Facilitates communication with the IRS regarding application status.
Helps resolve issues or discrepancies in your EIN application.
Provides proof of submission to the IRS.
Crucial for maintaining business formation timelines.

How to Obtain and Use Your EIN Reference Number

Obtaining an EIN reference number is typically tied to the method you use to apply for your EIN. The most straightforward way to get an EIN is through the IRS's online application portal. This method usually provides immediate confirmation of your EIN upon successful submission, and you generally do not receive a separate 'reference number' in the traditional sense. Instead, you get your EIN directly. However, if you choose to apply by mail using Form SS-4 or by fax, the reference number becomes

Online applications usually provide instant EIN confirmation, not a separate reference number.
Fax applications often yield a reference number on the confirmation page.
Mail applications may result in a reference number on a confirmation letter.
Keep the reference number with your application documents.
Provide the reference number when contacting the IRS about your application status.

Key Differences: EIN vs. EIN Reference Number

It is crucial to distinguish between an EIN (Employer Identification Number) and an EIN reference number. The EIN is the permanent, nine-digit Federal Tax Identification Number assigned to your business entity by the IRS. It’s akin to a Social Security Number for your business. You need this number to operate legally, open bank accounts, file taxes, and conduct various other business transactions. It is a permanent identifier that stays with your business throughout its existence, unless specifi

EIN is a permanent Federal Tax ID for your business.
EIN Reference Number is a temporary tracking code for the application.
EIN is used for all business operations and tax filings.
Reference Number is only relevant during the EIN application process.
EIN is a nine-digit number; reference numbers vary in format.

What to Do If You Lose Your EIN Reference Number

Losing your EIN reference number can feel like a setback, especially if you need to follow up on your application. However, it's not the end of the world, and there are steps you can take. If you applied online and received your EIN immediately, you likely never had a formal reference number to begin with, and you should simply use your issued EIN. If you applied by mail or fax and misplaced the reference number, the first step is to check all your records thoroughly. Look through emails, physic

Thoroughly check all application-related documents and records.
Review fax confirmation pages and IRS correspondence.
If unable to find, contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line.
Provide detailed business and application information to the IRS.
The IRS can often locate your application without the reference number.

EIN Reference Number and Lovie's Formation Services

Navigating the complexities of business formation, including the process of obtaining an EIN, can be daunting for entrepreneurs. Services like Lovie are designed to simplify these essential steps. While Lovie primarily assists in forming your LLC, C-Corp, S-Corp, or Nonprofit entity across all 50 US states, we also provide guidance and support for obtaining your EIN. When you form your business with Lovie, we can help you apply for your EIN. For most online applications handled through our platf

Lovie simplifies business formation and EIN application processes.
Online EIN applications through Lovie typically result in immediate issuance.
Lovie can guide clients on managing reference numbers if applicable.
Our service ensures efficient and accurate EIN acquisition.
We support entrepreneurs in forming businesses across all 50 states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an EIN reference number the same as an EIN?: No, an EIN reference number is a temporary tracking code for your application, while the EIN is your permanent Federal Tax Identification Number issued by the IRS for your business operations.
How long is an EIN reference number valid?: An EIN reference number is typically only valid during the processing of your EIN application. Once your EIN is issued, the reference number usually becomes obsolete.
Can I get an EIN reference number if I apply online?: Generally, no. Online EIN applications through the IRS portal or services like Lovie usually provide an immediate EIN confirmation, bypassing the need for a separate reference number.
What should I do if my EIN application is delayed and I have a reference number?: If your application is delayed and you have a reference number, contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 and provide them with the reference number for status updates.
Where can I find my EIN confirmation letter?: Your EIN confirmation letter is typically mailed to you by the IRS after your EIN application is approved. It may also contain your reference number if one was issued.

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