An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS. An EIN identifies the tax accounts of employers and certain other taxpayers, and determines the type of business tax return they must file.

An EIN is typically issued using the XX-XXXXXXX format. Sometimes, a letter or an employee plan number (for example, 003) may follow the EIN.

When you enter your wages into TaxAct, you will need to enter the EIN of your employer.

See Form W-2 - Entering in Program

Contact your employer if you have any questions related to the EIN that appears in Box (b) on Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement.

Additional Information

• Employer Identification Number (EIN) - Valid Range
• The IRS Do You Need an EIN? website for information regarding EINs as they relate to Schedule C (Form 1040) Profit or Loss From Business or Schedule F (Form 1040) Profit or Loss From Farming
• IRS Publication 1635 EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER Understanding Your EIN for additional information on Employer Identification Numbers (EIN).

Note that any link in the information above is updated each year automatically and will take you to the most recent version of the document at the time it is accessed.