What Form SS-4 is
Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, is the IRS form a business uses to request an EIN — a nine-digit federal tax ID that works like a Social Security number for a company. Banks, payroll providers, and state agencies routinely ask for an EIN, so it is one of the first things many new businesses set up.
You fill in your entity's legal name, the responsible party, the type of business, and the reason you are applying, then submit it to the IRS. AnyPDFfiller handles the filling and signing step — you still send the finished form to the IRS yourself.
Who needs an EIN
You generally need to file Form SS-4 and get an EIN if you:
- are starting a business and want to hire employees;
- form an LLC, corporation, or partnership;
- need an EIN to open a business bank account;
- operate as a sole proprietor and prefer an EIN over your SSN;
- administer an estate or trust, or run a nonprofit or church-controlled organization.
If you are not sure whether your situation requires one, the SS-4 instructions on irs.gov spell out exactly who must apply.
How to fill the SS-4 with AnyPDFfiller
Download the current Form SS-4 from the IRS website, then upload that PDF here. AnyPDFfiller detects the fields, so you can type the entity name, the responsible party's name and SSN, ITIN, or EIN, the mailing address, the type of entity, and your principal business activity, then add your signature. When it is complete, download the finished PDF so it is ready to fax or mail.
How to submit it — and the cost
Applying for an EIN is free; the IRS never charges a fee for one. The completed SS-4 PDF is used for the fax and mail options, and the correct fax number and address depend on where your business is located — the IRS lists them on the official SS-4 page. Many applicants can also apply online for an EIN issued immediately. Check irs.gov for the current filing methods and turnaround times before you send it.
SS-4 questions people ask
What is Form SS-4 used for?
To apply to the IRS for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) — the federal tax ID a business uses to hire, bank, and file taxes.
Where do I get a blank SS-4 PDF?
Download the latest edition from irs.gov, then upload it here to fill it in. Using the current version avoids delays if you fax or mail it.
Is there a fee to get an EIN?
No. The IRS issues EINs at no cost. Any site charging a fee to "get your EIN" is a third party — you can apply directly for free.
Where do I send the completed SS-4?
By fax or mail to the IRS, using the number and address for your location listed on the IRS SS-4 page. Download your filled copy here first.
Can I sign the SS-4 online?
Yes — add your signature the same way you add text, then download the signed PDF ready to fax or mail. Filling and downloading here is free; a watermark-free copy is the premium download.
AnyPDFfiller is an independent PDF tool and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the IRS or any government agency. We help you fill and sign the form — we do not provide tax or legal advice. For questions about EIN eligibility or how to complete the SS-4, see the official IRS instructions or consult a tax professional.
