What is an EIN?
An EIN is a 9-digit number the IRS gives your business. Think of it like a Social Security number, but for your company.
I Have an EIN But Lost the Letter
No worries. You don't need the letter. You just need the number. Here's where to find it:
- Your tax returns. Your EIN is printed on every business tax return you've filed.
- Your bank papers. The paperwork from when you opened your business bank account has it.
- Call the IRS. They can look it up for you over the phone.
IRS phone number: (800) 829-4933
Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM your local time.
I Don't Have an EIN
You can get one for free. It takes about 5 minutes online.
- Go to IRS.gov EIN Application
- Click "Apply Online Now"
- Answer a few questions about your business
- Your EIN shows up on screen right away
Write the number down and send it to us. That's it.
Watch out for fake sites. The IRS does not charge for an EIN. If a website asks you to pay, it's not the real IRS site. The real one is irs.gov.
I Have an ITIN, Not an EIN
This is common for contractors. Lots of people have an ITIN but not an EIN. Good news: you can get an EIN even if you only have an ITIN.
Here's how it works:
Step 1: Do You Have a Business?
An EIN is tied to a business, not a person. So you need a business entity first. An LLC is the most common choice for contractors.
- Already have an LLC or corporation? Great. Skip to Step 2.
- Don't have a business yet? You'll need to set one up through your state's Secretary of State website. Search "[your state] LLC filing" to find it. The cost depends on the state.
Step 2: Get Your EIN
- Go to IRS.gov EIN Application
- Click "Apply Online Now"
- When it asks for your SSN or ITIN, enter your ITIN
- Answer the questions about your business
- Your EIN shows up on screen right away
It's free. It takes about 5 minutes. Write the number down and send it to us.
Watch out for fake sites. The IRS does not charge for an EIN. If a website asks you to pay, it's not the real IRS site. The real one is irs.gov.
Step 3: Send Us the Number
Once you have your EIN, text it or email it to us. We'll handle everything from there.
Heads up: New EINs sometimes take a couple of weeks to show up in all the systems. If we need to wait a few days before finishing your phone setup, we'll start you with a temporary number so your texts work right away. You won't miss anything.
Don't Have a Business Yet?
That's OK. We can start with a toll-free number while you get set up. No EIN needed for that. Your texts will work right away. Once you have your LLC and EIN, we'll switch you to a local number with your area code.
Just tell us you have an ITIN and we'll pick the best path for you. Either way, we get you set up.
I'm a Sole Proprietor
If you run your business under your own name and don't have an LLC or corporation, you're a sole proprietor. That's fine. You have options:
- Option 1: Get an EIN (free, 5 minutes). Even sole proprietors can get an EIN at IRS.gov. This gives you a local phone number with your area code.
- Option 2: We register you as a sole prop. No EIN needed. You get a local number. There's a lower daily message limit (1,000 texts/day), but that's more than enough for most contractors.
- Option 3: Toll-free number. No EIN needed. Simpler setup. Works great for texts.
All three options get your texts working. We'll figure out which one is the best fit for you.
Don't stress about this. Just let us know your situation and we'll take care of the rest.
Common Questions
Why do you need my EIN?
Phone carriers require it to verify your business before we can send texts on your behalf. It's a one-time thing.
Is my EIN safe with you?
Yes. We only use it to register your phone number with the carriers. We never share it with anyone else.
How long does the phone verification take?
Once we have your EIN, the verification usually takes 1 to 3 business days. We handle everything. You don't need to do anything else.
Can I just email you my EIN?
Yes. You can type it in the onboarding form, text it to us, or email it. Whatever is easiest for you.
Need help? Text us.
(831) 230-8743
We'll walk you through it.