EIN for Nonprofits: How to Obtain One (2026 guide)

Before you can open a bank account, apply for grants, or file for 501(c)(3) status, you'll need one thing: an EIN. This guide covers what an EIN is, why your nonprofit needs one, and how to apply — step by step.

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Table des matières

• Qu’est-ce qu’un numéro d’identification d’employeur ?

• EIN vs. Tax ID vs. TIN: What's the difference for nonprofits?

• How to find or verify a nonprofit's EIN

• Raisons pour lesquelles vous avez besoin d’un EIN pour votre organisation à but non lucratif

• Conditions préalables à l’obtention d’un EIN

• How to get an EIN: Application process

• Erreurs courantes à éviter lors de la demande d’un EIN

• FAQ sur le numéro d’identification de l’employeur

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Qu’est-ce qu’un numéro d’identification d’employeur ?

Before you can open a bank account, apply for grants, or file for 501(c)(3) status, you'll need one thing: an EIN.

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federal tax ID for your organization — similar to a Social Security number, but for a business or nonprofit. It's used to identify your organization for tax and financial purposes, and both nonprofits and for-profit businesses are required to have one.

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What does an EIN look like? (Format + example)

An EIN follows a standard format set by the Internal Revenue Service: XX-XXXXXXX

• The first two digits identify the issuing location or system

• The remaining seven digits are unique to your organization

For example, an EIN might look like 12-3456789, and appear at the top right corner of your EIN letter from the IRS.

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Where you'll see your EIN (IRS confirmation letter)

After you apply, the IRS sends an official confirmation notice called a CP 575 letter.

This is one of the most important documents to keep on file. It's your official proof of your EIN.

You'll typically find your EIN:

• Near the top of the letter

• Labeled clearly as "Employer Identification Number"

• Included alongside your organization's legal name and address

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EIN vs. Tax ID vs. TIN: What's the difference for nonprofits?

You'll often see terms like "EIN," "Tax ID," and "TIN" used interchangeably, which can get confusing fast. Here's a simple way to understand it:

A TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) is the broad, umbrella term used by the Internal Revenue Service for any type of tax identification number. An EIN is a specific type of TIN used for organizations, including nonprofits.

There are several forms of a TIN, which can include:

• Social Security Numbers (SSNs)

• Employer Identification Numbers (EINs)

• Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs)

If you're starting or running a nonprofit, the EIN is the number you're applying for and using.

"Tax ID" isn't an official IRS designation, but it's a general term people use to refer to any tax identification number. For nonprofits, when someone says "What's your tax ID?" they're almost always referring to your EIN.

A quick way to remember it all:

• TIN = umbrella term

• EIN = the one nonprofits use

• Tax ID = casual way of saying EIN (in most cases)

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How to find or verify a nonprofit's EIN

If you're trying to look up a nonprofit's EIN, it's usually because you're donating, doing due diligence, or handling paperwork that requires verification.

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1. Use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search

The easiest place to start is the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. You can search by the nonprofit's name or location to:

• Confirm their tax-exempt status

• Verify they're in good standing

• See whether donations are tax-deductible

This is the most reliable way to confirm a nonprofit is legitimate before donating or working with them.

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2. Check Candid (GuideStar)

Platforms like Candid (GuideStar) maintain a full database of detailed nonprofit profiles where you can often find:

• The organization's EIN

• Financial data

• Leadership and mission information

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3. Look at the nonprofit's Form 990

Most registered nonprofits are required to file an annual tax return called Form 990. You can usually find it:

• On the nonprofit's website (often in a "Financials" or "Transparency" section)

• Through databases like GuideStar

The EIN is listed near the top of the form.

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4. Check official documents or receipts

If you've donated or worked with the organization before, the EIN is often included on:

• Reçus de dons

• Tax acknowledgment letters

• Grant paperwork

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5. Contact the organization directly

If you can't find it publicly, the simplest option is to ask. Most nonprofits will share their EIN if you explain why you need it.

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Raisons pour lesquelles vous avez besoin d’un EIN pour votre organisation à but non lucratif

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1. Obtenir le statut d’exonération fiscale auprès de l’IRS

Most nonprofit organizations, or tax-exempt entities, need an EIN to apply for tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service. Many nonprofits apply for tax-exempt status, but they still have filing requirements and must follow specific rules to maintain that status. The IRS uses EINs to track tax filings and compliance with federal tax regulations.

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2. Ouverture d’un compte bancaire

Most financial institutions require nonprofits to submit an employer identification number to open a business bank account. Opening an account for your nonprofit organization allows you to keep its funds separate from the directors' finances.

Many lenders require an EIN when applying for business loans or financing.

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3. Gestion de la paie et des impôts

Nonprofits must have an EIN to report employment taxes to the IRS, including withholding income tax, Social Security, and Medicare taxes for employees.

If your nonprofit works with independent contractors, you may use your EIN when filing forms like 1099-NEC. In those cases, you typically collect the contractor's information using Form W-9.

A tax exempt organization must also use the EIN on 1099 forms sent to freelance professionals and contractors.

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4. Se conformer aux lois de l’État

Some states require an EIN for tax registrations, business licenses, fundraising registrations, and other compliance activities. An EIN also helps establish the organization's credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of donors, partners, and stakeholders.

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5. Demande de subventions

Many foundations and corporations that provide nonprofit grants require organizations to have an EIN to apply for funding. This helps confirm that funding is going to a registered, trackable organization.

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Conditions préalables à l’obtention d’un EIN

If you're starting or running a nonprofit, you'll need an EIN to operate legally and handle key financial tasks.

Most nonprofits need an EIN if they:

• Plan to apply for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status

• Want to open a bank account in the organization's name

• Intend to hire employees or run payroll

• Need to file federal or state tax forms

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How to get an EIN for your nonprofit: Application process

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1. Vérifiez l’éligibilité

The IRS lets you apply for the EIN via an online application process, by fax, phone, or mail. To apply online you must meet:

• Les organisations à but non lucratif doivent être situées aux États-Unis ou dans les territoires américains

• The responsible party must be an individual (not an entity) and must have an SSN or ITIN

You can still apply if you don't meet these qualifications — file Form SS-4 via fax or mail.

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2. Recueillir les informations nécessaires

The IRS allows one online application session per responsible party each day. Gather everything you need before you start — the session expires after 15 minutes, and you can't save progress.

Here's what you'll need:

• Type de société

• Dénomination sociale complète et numéro de sécurité sociale ou ITIN

• Adresse professionnelle

• Nom de la société

• Adresse de l’organisme

• Indiquez où vous êtes constitué

• La date à laquelle vous avez créé ou incorporé votre organisme

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3. Soumettre la demande

When you apply online, an EIN will be issued immediately after you fill out your application. Fax and mail applications can take longer to process.

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Erreurs courantes à éviter lors de la demande d’un EIN

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1. Appliquer avant d’avoir des obligations fiscales

If you believe your nonprofit qualifies for tax-exempt status, be sure it is formed legally before you apply for an employer identification number. The IRS requests the approved legal name and incorporation date.

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2. Choisir la mauvaise structure d’entreprise

Under IRS Section 501(c), different types of nonprofits are specified, including public charities, private foundations, trade associations, and pension funds. You must be clear about your organization's classification.

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3. Désigner la mauvaise personne pour la demande

The IRS clearly states that the applicant should be an individual — typically the founder or principal officer who controls the nonprofit's finances and operations.

If there are any changes to the responsible party, you must file Form 8822-B with the IRS within 60 days of the change.

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4. Remplir le mauvais formulaire ou les mauvaises informations

When applying online for an EIN, you must complete only one form. Form SS-4 is specifically designated for the employer identification number. Look for it on the official IRS website and carefully complete the necessary details.

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FAQ sur le numéro d’identification de l’employeur

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Have your EIN or still getting there? Here's your next step:

• Just getting started? Follow our step-by-step guide to starting a nonprofit.

• Ready to fundraise? Set up your donation page with Zeffy — 100% free.

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