EIN vs. ITIN: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?
If you're an ITIN holder starting a business, understanding the difference between your personal ITIN and your business's EIN is the first step toward building a separate business credit file.
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What's in this guide
- EIN vs. ITIN at a glance
- Worked example: Ana's bakery
- How to apply for an EIN as an ITIN holder
- Deep-dive guides in this cluster
EIN vs. ITIN at a glance
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is issued by the IRS to individuals â often immigrants who aren't eligible for a Social Security Number â so they can file personal federal tax returns. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is issued to a business entity â a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or corporation â for federal tax reporting, opening business bank accounts, and hiring employees.
These two numbers work together, not in competition: your ITIN identifies you personally, and your EIN identifies your business. When applying for an EIN on IRS Form SS-4, the "responsible party" line asks for a personal taxpayer ID â an ITIN holder can generally list their ITIN there.
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Worked example: Ana's bakery
Ana files her personal taxes using an ITIN. She wants to open a small bakery as an LLC. She registers the LLC with her state, then applies for an EIN using IRS Form SS-4, listing herself as the responsible party with her ITIN. The bakery now has its own EIN for opening a business bank account, hiring an employee, and eventually applying for vendor credit â all separate from Ana's personal ITIN tax filings.
How to apply for an EIN as an ITIN holder
- Decide your business's legal structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation) and register it with your state if required.
- Complete IRS Form SS-4, listing your ITIN as the responsible party's taxpayer ID.
- Submit per current IRS instructions (fax, mail, or phone for applicants who can't use the online tool).
- Once issued, use your EIN to open a business bank account and register with business credit bureaus.
Go deeper: guides in this cluster
- ITIN Business Credit hub â
- Forming an LLC and building business credit â
- Step-by-step: build business credit from scratch â
Explore other MyITINCredit hubs
- ITIN to SSN Transition â
- ITIN Mortgage Readiness â
- ITIN Auto Financing â
- ITIN Credit Privacy & Immigration Questions â
This is educational information, not legal or tax advice. Consult the IRS or a licensed tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between an EIN and an ITIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) identifies a business for federal tax purposes. An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) identifies an individual who isn't eligible for an SSN, for their personal federal tax filings. They serve different taxpayers â one a business, one a person.
Can I use my ITIN as my EIN?
No. They are different identifiers issued for different purposes. However, an ITIN holder can list their ITIN as the personal taxpayer ID of the "responsible party" when applying for a business's EIN on IRS Form SS-4.
Do I need an EIN if I'm a sole proprietor with an ITIN?
Not always â sole proprietors without employees can sometimes use their SSN or ITIN for tax filing. But many banks, vendors, and business credit bureaus prefer or require an EIN to open a business account or report a business tradeline.
How do I apply for an EIN as an ITIN holder?
You file IRS Form SS-4. International or ITIN-holding applicants who can't use the online EIN tool generally apply by phone, fax, or mail per current IRS instructions â check the IRS EIN page for the latest process.
Is there a fee to get an EIN?
No. The IRS issues EINs free of charge. Be cautious of third-party sites that charge a fee to "help" you get one.
Does getting an EIN affect my personal ITIN credit file?
No. An EIN application itself does not affect your personal credit file. Your personal ITIN credit history stays separate unless a lender specifically reports a business account against your personal file.
Can a business have both an EIN and report against the owner's ITIN?
Yes, in cases where a lender requires a personal guarantee â the business tradeline may report under the EIN to business bureaus and simultaneously appear on the owner's personal file under their SSN or ITIN.
Do I need an immigration status to get an EIN?
The IRS issues EINs to identify businesses for tax administration and does not use the EIN application to determine immigration status. This is a tax question, not an immigration determination â consult the IRS or a tax professional for specifics.
What documents do I need to apply for an EIN with an ITIN?
Generally your ITIN, your legal name, the legal structure and name of your business, and a valid mailing address. Requirements can change, so check the current IRS Form SS-4 instructions before applying.
Can I have multiple EINs for multiple businesses?
Yes. Each distinct legal business entity generally needs its own EIN, even if you personally hold the same ITIN across all of them.
Will an EIN ever expire?
No, an EIN does not expire once issued, even if the business becomes inactive, though you may need to notify the IRS of certain changes such as ownership structure.
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