Every organization must have an employer identification number (EIN), even if it will not have employees. The EIN is a unique number that identifies the organization to the Internal Revenue Service. To apply for an employer identification number, you should obtain Form SS-4 PDF and its instructions PDF. You can apply for an EIN online, by mail, or by fax. You may also apply by telephone if your organization was formed outside the U.S. or U.S. territories. Make sure that you select church or church-controlled organization or other nonprofit organization as the type of entity. For more information about EIN application procedures, see question 4 of FAQs regarding applying for tax exemption. The EIN is not your tax-exempt number. That term generally refers to a number assigned by a state agency that identifies organizations as exempt from state sales and use taxes. You should contact your state revenue department for additional information about tax-exempt numbers. Note: Don't apply for an EIN until your organization is legally formed. Nearly all organizations are subject to automatic revocation of their tax-exempt status if they fail to file a required return or notice for three consecutive years. When you apply for an EIN, we presume you're legally formed and the clock starts running on this three-year period. Return to Life Cycle of a Public Charity Return to Life Cycle of a Social Welfare Organization Return to Life Cycle of a Labor Organization Return to Life Cycle of an Agricultural or Horticultural Organization Return to Life Cycle of a Business League (Trade Association)
