What Is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique 9-digit number issued by the IRS to identify a business entity for tax purposes. It’s like a Social Security Number, but for businesses.
So, How Many EINs Can You Have?
You can have more than one EIN, but:
- Each legal entity must have its own EIN.
- You can’t get multiple EINs for the same business.
- The IRS allows you to apply for only one EIN per day per responsible party (online).
Examples:
- If you run 3 separate LLCs, you can get 3 different EINs—one for each.
- If you own multiple DBAs under a single LLC, only one EIN is needed.
When You Need a New EIN
You need a new EIN if:
- You form a new legal entity (like a new LLC or corporation)
- Your business structure changes (e.g., sole proprietorship to LLC)
- You buy an existing business and restructure it
EIN Limits
While there’s no official limit on how many EINs you can have, each must be tied to a separate and legitimate business entity. Abuse or duplication may result in IRS scrutiny.
Final Thoughts
So, how many EIN numbers can I have? As many as you need—one per legal entity. Just ensure each has a distinct purpose and structure. If you need help filing for multiple EINs efficiently, visit FormLLC.us.
