How to get a federal ID number (EIN) for a nonprofit

Yes, absolutely. It’s called an EIN, or employer identification number, and it’s basically like a Social Security number for your organization. Without it, you can’t do much—no bank account, no taxes, no grants. It’s one of those small but mighty steps that unlocks all the important stuff that comes next.

We’ve walked alongside a lot of nonprofit teams through this process, and trust us—getting your EIN is way easier than it sounds. In this article, we’ll walk you through what it is, why it matters, and exactly how to get one. Whether you’re just starting out or finally getting around to this step, we’ve got your back.

What is an employer identification number (EIN) for nonprofits

Think of an EIN like your nonprofit’s ID badge. It’s short for employer identification number, and it’s how the IRS keeps track of your organization for tax purposes. It’s also called a federal tax ID number, and while the names might sound fancy or technical, it’s really just a unique number the government gives your nonprofit—kind of like how individuals have Social Security numbers.

Even if your nonprofit doesn’t have employees (yet), you still need an EIN. You’ll use it when opening a bank account, applying for grants, filing IRS forms, or requesting tax-exempt status. It’s the number that proves your organization is official in the eyes of the IRS, the bank, and pretty much every other system you’ll interact with.

We’ve seen a lot of folks delay this step because it sounds complicated—but once you understand what it is, it’s just one simple form and a few minutes of your time. And once you have it, everything else starts falling into place.

Why your nonprofit organization must have an EIN

If your nonprofit is doing anything official—opening a bank account, applying for tax-exempt status, hiring people, or even just accepting donations—you’re going to need an EIN. It’s not just a nice-to-have. It’s required.

Without an EIN, you can’t get your 501(c)(3) status from the IRS, and you can’t file the forms that prove your organization is tax-exempt. Most banks won’t let you open an account in your nonprofit’s name without one. And if you’re applying for grants, state licenses, or funding of any kind, almost every application will ask for your federal tax ID number.

We’ve worked with nonprofits that put this off and ran into all sorts of headaches later—missed grant opportunities, delayed fundraising, you name it. The good news is, this is one of the easiest things to check off your list. And once it’s done, it opens the door to everything else your nonprofit is meant to do.

When a nonprofit needs a federal tax ID number

You might be wondering, “Okay, so when exactly do I need this EIN?” The answer: pretty much right away. As soon as your nonprofit starts doing anything that involves money, paperwork, or official forms, you’ll need that number.

Here are a few common moments when having your EIN ready makes all the difference:

• Opening a bank account – Most banks won’t even look at your application without it.
• Filing for tax-exempt status with the IRS – You’ll need it to apply for 501(c)(3) recognition.
• Hiring employees – The EIN is how you report wages and payroll taxes.
• Getting business licenses or permits – Local governments often ask for your EIN.
• Applying for grants or loans – Foundations and funders use it to verify your nonprofit.
• Filing IRS forms like Form 990 – This is the big one for staying compliant with the IRS.

We’ve seen founders run into roadblocks simply because they didn’t have this one number ready to go. Our advice? Get your EIN early—it’ll save you a ton of time and hassle later on.

EIN vs. tax-exempt status: what’s the difference?

This part trips up a lot of folks, so let’s clear it up: getting an EIN doesn’t mean your nonprofit is tax-exempt. They’re two totally different steps.

Your EIN is your federal ID number—it tells the IRS who you are. But your tax-exempt status (like 501(c)(3)) is what tells the IRS that you don’t have to pay certain federal taxes and that donors can make tax-deductible gifts.

Here’s how it usually works:
First, you apply for your EIN through the IRS. Then, once you have it, you use that number when you apply for tax exemption with a separate form—usually Form 1023 or Form 1023-EZ. That’s where the IRS decides if your nonprofit qualifies for tax-exempt status.

We’ve seen people assume that having an EIN means they’re all set—but you’ll still need to go through the exemption process to make it official. Think of your EIN as the key that unlocks the rest of the process.

How to apply for an EIN for your nonprofit organization

This is the part where most people take a deep breath and brace for paperwork—but don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds. You’ve got a few ways to apply for your EIN, and most of them don’t take more than a few minutes if you’ve got the info ready.

Step 1: Gather required information

Before you apply, you’ll need some basic details:

• Your organization’s name and mailing address
• The name and Social Security Number of the “responsible party” (usually a founder or board member)
• A quick explanation of why you’re applying (e.g., “starting a new nonprofit”)
• Your nonprofit’s structure (most are corporations)

Having this ready makes the application way smoother.

Step 2: File Form SS-4 with the IRS

Form SS-4 is the official EIN application. It’s just one page, but it helps to know what you’re looking at before you fill it out. The form asks for the details above and a few other checkboxes about your organization.

If you’re not sure how to answer something, don’t stress—this is where we help a lot of partners at Harness. Just having someone walk through it with you can take all the guesswork out.

Step 3: Submit your EIN application online, by fax, or by mail

The fastest way to apply is online at the IRS website. You’ll get your EIN right away if everything’s filled out correctly.
You can also fax or mail the form, but those options take longer—sometimes a few weeks.

Pro tip: Only apply through the official IRS site. There are a lot of third-party sites that charge money for something that’s completely free.

Common EIN application mistakes to avoid

We’ve seen a lot of folks run into trouble here—not because the process is hard, but because it’s easy to miss the small stuff. Here are the most common mistakes we see when applying for an EIN (and how to avoid them):

Applying too early

You should wait until your nonprofit is legally formed—usually when your articles of incorporation are filed. If you apply too soon, you might have to do it all over again later.

Picking the wrong business type

Make sure you mark your nonprofit as a corporation on the form—not a sole proprietorship or something else. This one’s easy to miss, but it matters big time when you apply for tax-exempt status.

Using the wrong person as the responsible party

The IRS needs the name and Social Security Number of someone who has control over the nonprofit (like a founder or board member). It can’t be the organization’s name or a generic title.

Giving incomplete or inaccurate info

Double-check everything—typos in your address, EIN requests with missing fields, or unclear answers can delay things. It’s worth five extra minutes now to save days later.

Falling for fake EIN services

Some websites look legit but charge you to “help” file your EIN. The IRS doesn’t charge a dime for this, and the form is free. Only use the official IRS site to apply.

We’ve helped lots of nonprofits fix these issues after the fact—but it’s always easier to get it right the first time. Don’t rush. Just follow the steps, and if you’re stuck, we’re always here to walk you through it.

What happens after you receive an EIN

Once you’ve got your EIN, take a moment to celebrate—it’s a big step! But don’t stop there. That number unlocks a lot of next steps for your nonprofit, and knowing what to do with it is just as important as getting it.

First, you’ll get a confirmation notice from the IRS. Keep that document in a safe place—it’s your official proof that your EIN is active. You’ll need it for bank paperwork, grant applications, and your IRS tax filings.

Next, use your EIN to:

• Open a nonprofit bank account – Now you can open an account in your organization’s name.
• File for tax-exempt status – Your EIN goes on Form 1023 or 1023-EZ when applying for 501(c)(3).
• Register for state requirements – Some states require nonprofits to register for charitable solicitation, sales tax exemption, or payroll taxes.
• Set up payroll (if you’re hiring) – The EIN is what the IRS uses to track your employee tax reporting.

We’ve helped a lot of nonprofits hit this stage and suddenly feel overwhelmed by what comes next. Don’t worry—just move one step at a time. You’ve already taken a huge one by getting that number.

Using your EIN for key nonprofit operations

Now that you’ve got your EIN, it’s going to come up a lot. It’s more than just a tax number—it’s your key to running the day-to-day side of your nonprofit in a legit and organized way.

Banking and financial accounts

You’ll need your EIN to open a checking or savings account under your nonprofit’s name. Banks use it to verify that you’re a real organization—not just someone running things through a personal account. This also helps build trust with donors and makes bookkeeping way easier.

Tax filing and IRS compliance

The IRS uses your EIN on every form you file, including Form 990, which most nonprofits have to submit each year. Filing the wrong form—or skipping one entirely—can cause big problems with your tax-exempt status, so your EIN keeps everything tied together.

Donor trust and transparency

Many grant applications, corporate donations, and matching gift programs will ask for your EIN. It’s how funders verify that you’re official. Plus, it lets your donors know their gifts are going to a real nonprofit and might even be tax-deductible.

We've worked with a lot of nonprofits that didn’t realize how often this number comes up—and how helpful it is to have it ready and visible when you’re building relationships, handling paperwork, or planning your next big move.

Make it official. Make it impactful.

Getting your EIN is just one part of building something great—but it’s a big one. Now you’re set up to open your bank account, file for tax exemption, and start bringing your mission to life. It’s a small step that opens a lot of doors.

But here’s the thing—running a nonprofit means juggling a lot more than just paperwork. You’ve got fundraising to figure out, donors to engage, and programs to grow. That’s where we come in.

At Harness, we help nonprofits like yours turn one-time donors into loyal supporters, automate the more complicated stuff, and grow real revenue. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, we’ve got the team and the tools to help you thrive.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a tax ID, EIN, and TIN?

They’re often used interchangeably, but here’s the breakdown:

• EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the federal tax ID number for businesses and nonprofits.
• TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) is a broader term that includes EINs, Social Security Numbers (SSNs), and a few others.
• So in short: all EINs are TINs, but not all TINs are EINs.

Does a nonprofit need an EIN if it has no employees?

Yes. Even if you don’t have staff, you still need an EIN to open a bank account, apply for tax exemption, and file with the IRS.

Can I apply for an EIN before I incorporate my nonprofit?

You can, but it’s usually best to wait until your nonprofit is officially formed at the state level. That way, your EIN lines up with your legal documentation.

Is the EIN the same as 501(c)(3) status?

Nope. Getting an EIN is just step one. You’ll still need to apply for tax-exempt status through the IRS using Form 1023 or 1023-EZ.

How long does it take to receive an EIN from the IRS?

If you apply online, you’ll get it right away. Fax takes a few business days. Mail can take several weeks.

Can I get an EIN for free or do I need to pay?

It’s completely free. Don’t pay a third-party site. Go directly to the IRS website to apply.

Where can I check if my nonprofit already has an EIN?

Check your EIN confirmation letter, any past IRS filings (like Form 990), or call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line.

What if I made a mistake on Form SS-4?

You can correct it by contacting the IRS. They may ask you to send a written explanation or update your info by phone or mail, depending on the issue.