Is an EIN ok if i never used one before for sole proprietor

[gerstp]

I have been filing a schedule C as a sole proprietor for years now and have been filling out my W9s with my SSN. I'd like to switch now to an EIN. I know how to do that.

My question is whether or not there is any issue with getting one now if I didn't initially.

THanks.

[LeonardS]

Yes, there is no issue in starting to use your EIN in place of your SSN.  Also, it is safer for your Identify protection to use your EIN than your SSN.

[Carl]

You can apply for an EIN "right now" if you want, at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-n... and it doesn't cost you a penny. You'll have your EIN within an hour too. Just make sure you tie that EIN to the same exact SSN you have been using on your SCH C in the past, and you won't have any issues at all.