Applying Online

• 1). Visit the IRS website. Click "apply for an employer identification number (EIN) online." This link is located on the bottom left of the page, in the "Online Services" menu.
  
  
• 2). Read through the required EIN information page and click on the blue "apply online now" at the bottom of the page.
  
  
• 3). Read through the pointers on the next page. When you are finished, click the large, gray "begin application" button at the bottom of the page.
  
  
• 4). Fill out all required information as requested by the online application.
  
  Double-check everything you type to ensure that it is error-free. Accidentally typing in the wrong information can lead to major hold-ups when applying for an EIN for your home daycare.
  
  
• 5). Retrieve the newly-issued EIN and print the web page on which it is displayed.
  
  Store this paper in a safe place for future use. The EIN is ready for use as soon as it is issued to you.
  
  

Applying Through the Mail

• 1). Visit the IRS Web site. Click on the "apply online for employer identification number (EIN) online" link in the bottom corner of the main IRS page, located in the "Online Services" menu.
  
  
• 2). Read through the required information and click the blue "apply online now" link at the bottom of the page.
  
  The link to print the Form SS-4 that is required to apply for an EIN through the mail is located on the online application page.
  
  
• 3). Click the blue link that says "Form SS-4" underneath the large, silver button that says "begin application."
  
  It is located in a section that reads, "If you are not comfortable sending information via the Internet, download the Form SS-4 PDF file and the instructions for alternate ways of applying."
  
  
• 4). Print the Form SS-4 and follow the instructions on it regarding where to send it.
  
  You should receive a response and your new EIN for your home daycare via mail in about three weeks.