Reference Guide
EIN Number Format: XX-XXXXXXX Explained (2026)
Every EIN follows the same format: two digits, a hyphen, then seven digits. The first two digits reveal which IRS campus issued the number. This guide breaks down every component of the EIN format so you can verify, understand, and use your EIN correctly.
Short Answer
The EIN format matters to every business owner, accountant, and non-resident who files US taxes or opens a US bank account. Enter the number wrong and the IRS rejects the filing. Place the hyphen in the wrong spot and a bank flags your application. This guide explains each part of the XX-XXXXXXX format, what the prefix digits reveal, how to verify a number, and how non-residents receive an EIN in the exact same format without an SSN. Every fact below applies to the federal EIN, which has stayed structurally consistent since the IRS began issuing these numbers.
| Factor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | XX-XXXXXXX (2-7 split) |
| Total digits | 9 |
| Hyphen position | After the 2nd digit |
| Issued by | IRS (Internal Revenue Service) |
| Cost from the IRS | $0 |
| Permanent? | Yes (never reused or reassigned) |
| Non-resident path | Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 |
What Does Each Part of an EIN Number Mean?
An EIN contains exactly 9 digits written as XX-XXXXXXX, split into a 2-digit prefix and a 7-digit serial number. The first two digits identify the IRS campus that issued the EIN. The remaining seven digits are a sequential identifier unique to your entity.
The 2-7 Digit Split Explained
The number breaks into two parts. The first two digits (the prefix) identify the IRS campus or processing center that issued the EIN. The remaining seven digits are a sequential identifier assigned to your specific business entity. Together, these 9 digits create a unique identifier that belongs to your business permanently. The IRS does not encode the date, owner nationality, or business type into the number.
Example: EIN 84-1234567 Breakdown
In the EIN 84-1234567, the prefix "84" indicates the EIN was issued through the IRS online application system. The remaining "1234567" is the sequential number assigned to that entity. The hyphen after the second digit is always present in the formatted version and is required on most IRS forms and business documents.
The EIN format has stayed consistent since the IRS began issuing these numbers. Unlike SSNs, which carry area numbers, group numbers, and serial numbers with validation rules, the EIN structure is simpler: a campus prefix plus a sequential identifier. This makes EINs easy to verify visually. A 9-digit number formatted as XX-XXXXXXX is almost certainly an EIN. For a broader overview, read our guide on what an EIN is.
What Do the First Two Digits of an EIN Tell You?
The first two digits of an EIN are the campus prefix code. Before online applications, the prefix matched the IRS processing campus tied to your geographic location. Since 2001, most new EINs carry internet-assigned prefixes such as 80-88 and 90-99.
Campus Prefix History: Pre-2001 vs Post-2001
Before the IRS allowed online applications, the prefix indicated which IRS processing campus handled your application, which corresponded to your geographic location. Since the IRS launched online EIN applications in 2001, most new EINs carry internet-assigned prefixes. The prefix is a record of where the number was processed, not a code you can decode for tax purposes.
| Prefix Range | IRS Campus / Source |
|---|---|
| 01-06 | Brookhaven, NY |
| 10-16 | Austin, TX |
| 20-27 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 30-38 | Kansas City, MO |
| 40-48 | Ogden, UT |
| 50-58 | Cincinnati, OH (closed) |
| 60-68 | Atlanta, GA (closed) |
| 71-77 | Memphis, TN |
| 80-88 | Internet (online applications) |
| 90-99 | Internet (online applications) |
What Your Prefix Tells You
An EIN starting with 80 or higher was issued through the IRS online system. A lower starting number was issued by a specific IRS campus through a fax or mail application. Non-residents who apply by fax through ein.so receive EINs with campus prefixes from the IRS campus that processes fax applications. The prefix never affects how you use the number. You enter the full 9 digits the same way regardless of the prefix. Learn the full path in our EIN without SSN guide.
How Do Non-Residents Get an EIN in the Same Format?
Non-US residents get an EIN in the identical XX-XXXXXXX format by filing IRS Form SS-4 by fax. The applicant enters a passport number on Line 7b instead of an SSN. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so the fax method is the route for non-residents.
The format never changes based on nationality. A founder in India, the UK, or Nigeria receives a 9-digit XX-XXXXXXX number identical to one issued to a US citizen. The difference is the application method, not the result. Below is the process ein.so runs for every non-resident applicant.
Form Your US LLC
Gather Your Documents
Complete Form SS-4
Submit by Fax and Receive Your EIN
The IRS charges $0 for the EIN. ein.so charges $49 (Standard) or $97 (Express) for preparing and faxing Form SS-4 correctly. See the full SS-4 form guide, the complete EIN application process, and the dedicated EIN for non-residents page.
How Do You Verify an EIN Is Valid?
To verify an EIN format, check four criteria: 9 digits total, a single hyphen after the second digit, a valid prefix range, and a starting prefix that is not 00. Format verification confirms the number looks valid but does not confirm it belongs to a specific entity.
4-Step Format Validation
First, the number must contain exactly 9 digits. Second, it must be formatted as XX-XXXXXXX with a single hyphen after the second digit. Third, the first two digits must fall within a valid IRS prefix range (01-06, 10-16, 20-27, 30-38, 40-48, 50-58, 60-68, 71-77, 80-88, or 90-99). Fourth, the number must not start with 00 or 07-09, as these are not assigned prefixes.
Format verification tells you a number looks like a valid EIN. It does not confirm the EIN belongs to a specific business. To verify that an EIN is assigned to a particular entity, use the EIN lookup methods in our lookup guide, such as the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for nonprofits or SEC EDGAR for public companies. Free options appear in our free EIN lookup guide.
Hyphenated vs Digits-Only Entry
When entering your EIN on government forms, bank applications, and tax returns, include the hyphen unless the form asks for digits only. Some electronic systems accept only digits (123456789), while printed forms expect the hyphenated format (12-3456789). Using the wrong format causes processing delays or rejections. Match the format the specific form requests.
How Does the EIN Format Compare to SSN and ITIN?
The EIN, SSN, and ITIN each contain 9 digits, but their formats differ. The EIN uses a 2-7 split (XX-XXXXXXX). The SSN uses a 3-2-4 split (XXX-XX-XXXX). The ITIN uses a 3-2-4 split but always starts with 9 (9XX-XX-XXXX).
Three 9-Digit Formats Compared
These format differences make it easy to identify which type of tax ID you are reading. The hyphen positions and the leading digit do the work. An EIN belongs to a business entity. An SSN belongs to a US citizen or permanent resident. An ITIN belongs to a non-resident who needs to file US taxes but cannot get an SSN.
| Factor | EIN | SSN | ITIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | XX-XXXXXXX (2-7 split) | XXX-XX-XXXX (3-2-4 split) | 9XX-XX-XXXX (starts with 9) |
| Total Digits | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Issued To | Business entities | US citizens and permanent residents | Non-resident aliens (tax filing only) |
| Issued By | IRS | Social Security Administration | IRS |
| Permanent? | Yes (never reused) | Yes | Expires if unused for 3 years |
| Example | 84-1234567 | 123-45-6789 | 912-34-5678 |
Why Format Accuracy Prevents Rejections
Using the wrong type of number on a form triggers processing errors. If the IRS expects an EIN (XX-XXXXXXX) and you enter an SSN (XXX-XX-XXXX), the system rejects the submission. Banks and payment processors validate the format of tax IDs during account setup. Always enter the right type of number in the right field to avoid delays. A non-resident needs an EIN for a US LLC and may also need an ITIN for personal filing. ein.so offers an ITIN service for $197 Standard and $297 Express alongside the $49 EIN service.
What Are Common EIN Format Mistakes?
The four most common EIN format mistakes are dropping the hyphen, misplacing the hyphen, confusing the EIN with a state tax ID, and transposing digits. Each one causes filing rejections or banking delays. Check every entry against your CP 575 letter.
Missing the Hyphen
Placing the Hyphen Wrong
Confusing EIN with State Tax ID
Transposing Digits
A correctly formatted EIN unlocks US banking and payments. Use the EIN for a bank account guide to open a Mercury or Relay account once your number arrives.
What Tax Filings Use Your EIN After You Get It?
A foreign-owned single-member US LLC uses its EIN to file Form 5472 plus a pro-forma Form 1120 with the IRS each year. The penalty for failing to file Form 5472 is $25,000. The EIN identifies the entity on every one of these filings.
The EIN is the anchor for US tax compliance. The IRS matches your filings to the entity through the 9-digit number. A wrong or mistyped EIN can detach a filing from your record and trigger notices.
Filings that reference your EIN
- Form 5472 and pro-forma Form 1120 (foreign-owned single-member LLC, annual, $25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- The annual BOI report to FinCEN for most LLCs
- Bank and payment-processor onboarding for Mercury, Relay, Stripe, and PayPal
- Amazon and other marketplace tax interviews requiring a US tax ID
ein.so handles the EIN application and does not provide tax advice. Confirm your specific tax obligations with a US CPA familiar with non-resident matters. Review the Form 5472 guide and the BOI filing rules before your first filing deadline.
Next Steps
After You Have Your Formatted EIN
- Open a US bank account — Mercury and Relay accept non-resident LLC owners with an EIN and passport
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs, free at fincen.gov/boi
- File Form 5472 — annually for foreign-owned LLCs ($25,000 penalty for non-filing)
- Verify your number — use EIN lookup or the free EIN lookup methods
- Learn the basics — read what an EIN is and the EIN without SSN path
New to the process? Start with how to get an EIN, the SS-4 form guide, and EIN for non-residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an EIN number look like?
An EIN is a 9-digit number formatted as XX-XXXXXXX. That is two digits, a hyphen, then seven digits. For example, 12-3456789. The hyphen always appears after the second digit. This format distinguishes an EIN from an SSN (XXX-XX-XXXX) and an ITIN (9XX-XX-XXXX). The IRS prints it on your CP 575 confirmation letter.
What do the first two digits of an EIN mean?
The first two digits of an EIN identify the IRS campus that processed the application. Prefixes 01-06 came from the Brookhaven campus in New York, 10-16 from Austin in Texas, and 20-27 from Philadelphia in Pennsylvania. Since 2001, the IRS uses internet-assigned prefixes such as 80-88 and 90-99 for online applications. Fax applications return campus prefixes.
Can an EIN start with 00?
No. An EIN never starts with 00. Valid EIN prefixes run from 01 to 99, but the IRS does not use every number. The agency assigns specific prefix ranges to processing campuses and online systems. An EIN starting with 00 is either a formatting error or a fraudulent number. Reject any 9-digit ID that opens with 00.
Is an EIN always 9 digits?
Yes. Every EIN issued by the IRS contains exactly 9 digits. The formatted version adds a hyphen after the second digit (XX-XXXXXXX), but the underlying number is always 9 digits. A number with fewer or more than 9 digits is not a valid EIN. Banks and payment processors validate this 9-digit length during account setup.
How is an EIN different from an SSN in format?
An EIN uses a 2-7 split: XX-XXXXXXX. An SSN uses a 3-2-4 split: XXX-XX-XXXX. Both contain 9 digits, but the hyphen positions differ. An EIN has one hyphen after 2 digits. An SSN has two hyphens forming three groups. This visual difference lets you tell the two ID types apart at a glance.
Do non-residents get an EIN in the same XX-XXXXXXX format?
Yes. Non-US residents receive an EIN in the identical XX-XXXXXXX format that US applicants get. The IRS does not flag or alter the format based on the owner's nationality. Non-residents enter a passport number on Form SS-4 Line 7b instead of an SSN, but the resulting 9-digit EIN looks the same. See our EIN for non-residents guide.
Where do I find the EIN format on IRS documents?
The IRS prints your EIN in XX-XXXXXXX format on your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575), all IRS correspondence, tax return acknowledgments, and notices. The EIN always appears with the hyphen. When entering your EIN on tax forms and bank applications, include the hyphen unless the form asks for digits only. Keep your CP 575 letter safe.
Can two businesses have the same EIN?
No. Every EIN is unique to a single entity. The IRS never reuses or reassigns an EIN, even after a business closes. Once assigned, the EIN belongs to that entity permanently. If your structure changes, such as converting a sole proprietorship to an LLC, you must apply for a new EIN. The format stays XX-XXXXXXX for the new number.
Does the EIN format change between Standard and Express filing?
No. The EIN format is XX-XXXXXXX whether you file Standard ($49, 4-7 business days) or Express ($97, 2-3 business days) through ein.so. Speed affects only how fast the IRS returns your CP 575 letter, not the structure of the number. The IRS charges $0 for the EIN itself; ein.so charges for preparing and faxing Form SS-4.
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