Do Corporations Need an EIN?
Yes, always. Unlike LLCs, corporations must have an EIN regardless of whether they have employees or how many shareholders they have.
This is because corporations are separate legal entities that:
- File their own tax returns (Form 1120 for C-Corp, Form 1120-S for S-Corp)
- Can have shareholders
- Exist independently of their owners
- Must have their own tax identification
C-Corp vs S-Corp EIN Requirements
Both C-Corps and S-Corps need an EIN, but there are differences in how you apply.
C-Corporation
- Entity type on Form SS-4: Corporation
- Tax form: Form 1120
- Tax treatment: Corporation pays taxes on profits; shareholders pay on dividends (double taxation)
S-Corporation
- Entity type on Form SS-4: Corporation (then file Form 2553 separately)
- Tax form: Form 1120-S
- Tax treatment: Pass-through (no corporate-level tax)
Important: When applying for an EIN, you select "Corporation" for both C-Corps and S-Corps. The S-Corp election is made separately by filing Form 2553 with the IRS.
When Corporations Need an EIN
Every corporation needs an EIN for:
- Opening bank accounts - Banks require it
- Filing tax returns - Form 1120 or 1120-S
- Hiring employees - Payroll tax reporting
- Issuing stock - Shareholder documentation
- Business contracts - Vendor and client agreements
There are no exceptions - if you've incorporated, you need an EIN.
How to Apply for a Corporate EIN
Information Required
Before applying, gather:
- Corporation's legal name (as filed with the state)
- State of incorporation
- Date of incorporation
- Business address
- Name and SSN of responsible party (officer/director)
- Number of employees expected in next 12 months
- Principal business activity
Application Methods
| Method | Timeline | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Online | Immediate | US person with SSN |
| EINFile.org | 24-48 hours | Anyone |
| IRS Fax | 4-7 days | Anyone |
| IRS Mail | 4-6 weeks | Anyone |
Step-by-Step Process
- Complete IRS Form SS-4
- Select "Corporation" as entity type (for both C-Corp and S-Corp)
- Enter your state of incorporation
- Provide officer/director information as responsible party
- Submit application
- Receive EIN - Instantly online, or via mail/fax
S-Corp Election Process
If you want S-Corp status, the process is:
- Form your corporation with your state
- Get your EIN (selecting "Corporation")
- File Form 2553 for S-Corp election within 75 days of formation (or by March 15 for calendar year)
- Receive S-Corp approval from IRS
Your EIN stays the same whether you're a C-Corp or S-Corp.
After Getting Your Corporate EIN
Once you have your corporation's EIN:
Immediate Steps
- Open a corporate bank account - Never mix personal and corporate funds
- File S-Corp election (if desired) - Form 2553 within deadline
- Set up payroll - Corporations must pay officers as employees
- Issue stock certificates - Document shareholders
- Create corporate records - Minutes, bylaws, resolutions
Ongoing Requirements
- File annual tax returns - Form 1120 (C-Corp) or Form 1120-S (S-Corp)
- Pay estimated taxes - Quarterly for C-Corps
- Issue K-1s (S-Corps) - To shareholders by March 15
- Maintain corporate formalities - Minutes, resolutions, meetings
- File state annual reports - Varies by state
Common Corporate EIN Mistakes
Selecting wrong entity type: Choose "Corporation" not "LLC" (even if converting from LLC).
Missing S-Corp deadline: Form 2553 must be filed within 75 days of formation or by March 15.
Wrong responsible party: Must be an individual officer or director, not the corporation itself.
Name mismatch: Corporation name must match state filing exactly.
Corporation vs LLC: Which Needs an EIN More?
| Factor | Corporation | LLC |
|---|---|---|
| EIN Required | Always | Sometimes |
| Separate Tax Return | Always | Only if multi-member |
| Employee Status | Officers are employees | Members usually aren't |
| Complexity | Higher | Lower |
Related Guides
Other Entity Types:
- EIN for LLCs - Single and multi-member LLC guide
- EIN for Partnerships - GP, LP, and LLP requirements
- EIN for Nonprofits - 501(c)(3) organization guide
Common Uses:
- EIN for Business Banking - Opening corporate accounts
- EIN for Hiring Employees - Payroll requirements
Get Your Corporate EIN Today
We help corporations get their EIN quickly and accurately. Submit your application through us and receive your EIN within 24-48 hours.