What are EIN numbers

[Mike9241]

EIN also sometimes referred to as TINs are #'s used by business, governments even individuals (who file 1099's and don't want to give out their ssn)  it would be in the form xx-xxxxxxx.  ssn's are xxx-xx-xxxx

[DawnC]

EIN stands for Employer Identification Number.  An employer identification number (EIN) is a nine-digit number assigned by the IRS. It's used to identify the tax accounts of employers and certain others who have no employees. The IRS uses the number to identify taxpayers who are required to file various business tax returns.