Comparison Guide
FEIN vs EIN Same Number?
FEIN and EIN both refer to the same 9-digit tax identification number issued by the IRS. The F in FEIN stands for Federal. This guide explains why both terms exist and when each is used.
This is one of the most common sources of confusion in US business tax terminology. A bank asks for your FEIN. A tax form asks for your EIN. Business owners worry they need two different numbers. The answer is simple. You do not. FEIN and EIN are two names for the exact same 9-digit number.
The confusion comes from the layered US tax system. The federal government, through the IRS, issues the EIN. State governments issue their own employer identification numbers for state taxes. Adding "Federal" in front of EIN signals that you mean the IRS number, not a state number. This page compares the two terms side by side, explains the format and history, and shows non-residents how to get the number without an SSN.
| Factor | EIN | FEIN |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Employer Identification Number | Federal Employer Identification Number |
| Issuer | IRS | IRS |
| Format | XX-XXXXXXX | XX-XXXXXXX |
| Digits | 9 | 9 |
| Cost from IRS | $0 | $0 |
| Used by | IRS forms and publications | Banks, lenders, state forms |
| Same number? | Yes | Yes |
The Answer
Are FEIN and EIN the Same Thing?
Yes. FEIN and EIN are the same 9-digit number issued by the IRS. FEIN means Federal Employer Identification Number. EIN means Employer Identification Number. Same digits. Same IRS. Same format, XX-XXXXXXX. The letter F only adds the word Federal.
The IRS created the Employer Identification Number system in 1974. The official IRS term is EIN. The IRS prints EIN on Form SS-4, the application form. The IRS prints EIN on the CP 575 confirmation letter. The IRS prints EIN on every tax return and publication. The IRS never prints FEIN.
The term FEIN grew up inside business and accounting practice. It separates the federal number from state equivalents. It is informal but widespread. If someone requests your FEIN, they want the same 9-digit number the IRS calls your EIN.
Every Name for the Same Number
| Term | Full Name | Same Number? |
|---|---|---|
| EIN | Employer Identification Number | Yes |
| FEIN | Federal Employer Identification Number | Yes |
| Federal Tax ID | Federal Tax Identification Number | Yes |
| Federal ID Number | Federal Identification Number | Yes (for a business) |
| TIN | Taxpayer Identification Number | Umbrella term (includes EIN, SSN, ITIN) |
TIN is the one exception. TIN is a category, not a single number. A TIN can be an EIN, an SSN, or an ITIN. For the full breakdown, read our guide on EIN vs TIN and EIN vs ITIN.
Side by Side
How Do FEIN and EIN Compare Across Every Attribute?
FEIN and EIN compare identically across issuer, format, cost, and use case, because they are one number with two names. The only difference is the word Federal, added to distinguish the IRS number from a state employer ID. Every other attribute matches exactly.
The table below settles the comparison. Read each row as a confirmation that there is no functional gap between the two terms.
| Attribute | EIN | FEIN |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | IRS | IRS |
| Application form | Form SS-4 | Form SS-4 |
| Format | XX-XXXXXXX | XX-XXXXXXX |
| Number of digits | 9 | 9 |
| Cost from the IRS | $0 | $0 |
| Who needs it | Businesses, employers, LLCs, trusts, estates | Same |
| Online tool eligibility | Requires an SSN or ITIN | Requires an SSN or ITIN |
| Non-resident method | Fax SS-4 to 855-215-1627 | Fax SS-4 to 855-215-1627 |
| Confirmation document | CP 575 letter | CP 575 letter |
| Verification document | 147C letter | 147C letter |
| Appears on | IRS forms (1120, 1065, 941, W-2) | Bank and state forms |
| Replaces a state tax ID? | No | No |
Both rows answer to the same purpose. The EIN identifies a business to the IRS for federal tax filing, payroll reporting, and information returns. The FEIN label appears when a third party wants to stress the federal source. For the application path, see how to get an EIN and EIN without an SSN.
Why Both Terms
Why Do Both Terms Exist?
Both terms exist because the US has federal and state tax systems that each issue employer numbers. The word Federal in FEIN prevents confusion between the IRS number and a state employer ID. Three forces keep both terms alive.
Reason 1: State vs Federal Distinction
Many states issue their own employer identification numbers for state taxes. Accountants add "Federal" to specify the IRS number.
| State | State Tax ID Name | Separate from EIN? |
|---|---|---|
| California | California Employer Account Number | Yes |
| New York | NY Employer Registration Number | Yes |
| Texas | Texas Taxpayer Number | Yes |
| Florida | Florida Reemployment Tax Account | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | PA Employer Account Number | Yes |
A payroll provider handling both numbers uses FEIN to mark the federal one. This stops errors where the wrong number lands on the wrong form and triggers a penalty.
Reason 2: Historical Usage
The IRS established the EIN in 1974. Tax professionals began adding "Federal" in the 1980s as states built their own registration systems. The habit stuck. FEIN now appears on thousands of business forms and contracts, even though the IRS never adopted it.
Reason 3: Clarity in Multi-State Operations
A business with employees in several states holds 1 federal EIN and one state employer ID per state. FEIN removes ambiguity. When a payroll document asks for an "employer identification number," FEIN tells the filer to use the federal one, not a state number.
Where Each Is Used
Where Do You See EIN vs FEIN?
You see EIN on IRS documents and FEIN on bank, lender, and state documents. The IRS uses EIN exclusively. Private institutions and state agencies lean on FEIN to stress the federal source. The number you enter is the same 9 digits in every field.
Documents That Say EIN
- IRS Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number)
- IRS Form 1120 (Corporate Tax Return)
- IRS Form 1065 (Partnership Tax Return)
- IRS Form 941 (Quarterly Payroll Tax Return)
- IRS Form W-2 (Employee Wage Statement)
- IRS Form 1099 (Information Return)
- IRS Form 5472 (Foreign-Owned LLC Information Return)
- IRS CP 575 (EIN Confirmation Letter)
- IRS Letter 147C (EIN Verification Letter)
Documents That Say FEIN
- Bank account applications
- Business credit applications
- State tax registration forms
- Vendor onboarding forms
- Corporate contracts
- Insurance applications
- SBA loan applications
- Commercial lease agreements
What to Enter When Asked for Either
If a form asks for your EIN, enter your 9-digit IRS number, XX-XXXXXXX.
If a form asks for your FEIN, enter the same 9-digit IRS number, XX-XXXXXXX.
If a form asks for your Federal Tax ID, enter the same 9-digit IRS number, XX-XXXXXXX.
All three want the same number. There is zero difference in what you provide. For account opening, read our guide on using an EIN for a bank account.
How to Get One
How Do You Get Your EIN or FEIN?
You get an EIN by filing Form SS-4 with the IRS once, and that single number serves as both your EIN and your FEIN. US residents with an SSN apply online for instant issuance. Non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627 and skip the SSN requirement.
Confirm Your Eligibility
Choose Your Method
File the SS-4 Correctly
Receive Your Number
Non-residents cannot use the IRS online tool because it requires an SSN. ein.so files the Form SS-4 fax process for $49 Standard (4-7 business days) or $97 Express (2-3 business days). The IRS itself charges $0; our fee covers preparation, formatting, and the fax filing. See EIN cost for a full price breakdown and EIN for non-residents for the complete walkthrough. Apply now.
Do Not Apply Twice
- If you already have an EIN, you already have a FEIN. They are the same number.
- Submitting a second Form SS-4 can make the IRS assign a duplicate number to the same entity.
- A duplicate number creates filing and banking errors that take weeks to resolve.
- If a duplicate exists, call the IRS at 800-829-4933 to close it.
State Tax IDs
How Does a FEIN or EIN Differ From a State Tax ID?
A FEIN or EIN is a federal number from the IRS, while a state tax ID is a separate number from a state revenue department. Your EIN does not replace a state tax ID, and a state tax ID does not replace your EIN. You may need both.
| Requirement | Federal (EIN/FEIN) | State Tax ID |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | IRS | State revenue department |
| Purpose | Federal taxes and information returns | State income, sales, payroll tax |
| Application | Form SS-4 | State-specific forms |
| Format | XX-XXXXXXX | Varies by state |
| Cost | $0 | Often $0 |
| Required? | Yes, for federal filing | Depends on state and activity |
The EIN handles federal obligations. The state tax ID handles state obligations. A business with employees in a state needs both. For foreign-owned LLCs, the federal filing chain runs through your EIN and includes Form 5472 plus a pro-forma Form 1120 each year, with a $25,000 penalty for not filing. Most LLCs also file a BOI report with FinCEN. Confirm your exact state and federal obligations with a US CPA, because ein.so does not provide tax advice.
The Bottom Line
What Is the Bottom Line on FEIN vs EIN?
FEIN and EIN are the same 9-digit number from the IRS, applied for once on Form SS-4. The IRS calls it an EIN. Banks and state forms call it a FEIN. You enter the same digits, XX-XXXXXXX, in every field that asks for either term.
- FEIN and EIN are the same number from the IRS.
- The IRS officially uses EIN.
- Banks, lenders, and state forms often use FEIN.
- You apply once and use the number everywhere.
- Format: XX-XXXXXXX, 9 digits, hyphen after the second digit.
- Cost: $0 from the IRS, or $49 through ein.so for non-residents.
Do not overthink this. If you have one, you have both. If someone asks for your FEIN, give them your EIN.
Next Steps
Next Steps to Get Your EIN / FEIN
- Apply for your EIN — non-residents file Form SS-4 from $49, no SSN required
- Read the SS-4 form guide — line-by-line for Line 7b passport entry
- Get an EIN without an SSN — the fax method explained for non-residents
- Open a US bank account — present your EIN, labeled FEIN on many bank forms
- File Form 5472 — annual for foreign-owned LLCs, $25,000 penalty for non-filing
- File your BOI report — required for most LLCs at fincen.gov/boi
Compare with other tax IDs: EIN vs SSN | EIN vs ITIN | EIN vs TIN | EIN vs Tax ID. Learn the basics on what is an EIN and check EIN processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FEIN the same as EIN?
Yes. FEIN (Federal Employer Identification Number) and EIN (Employer Identification Number) are the same 9-digit tax ID issued by the IRS. The terms are interchangeable. The IRS officially uses EIN on Form SS-4 and the CP 575 letter. Banks, lenders, and state agencies often use FEIN to distinguish the federal number from a state tax ID.
Why do some forms say FEIN instead of EIN?
Some forms use FEIN to separate the federal tax ID from state-level employer IDs. States such as California, New York, and Texas issue their own employer numbers for state tax purposes. Adding the word Federal clarifies that FEIN means the IRS-issued number, not a state number. The 9 digits you enter are identical either way.
Does the IRS use the term FEIN?
No. The IRS uses the term EIN on every official form and publication. The IRS does not print FEIN on Form SS-4, the CP 575 confirmation letter, the 147C verification letter, or any IRS correspondence. FEIN is an informal term used by banks, lenders, state agencies, and accountants. Both terms point to one IRS number.
How do non-residents get a FEIN or EIN without an SSN?
Non-residents get an EIN by filing Form SS-4 by fax to 855-215-1627, entering a passport number on Line 7b. The IRS online tool requires an SSN, so non-residents cannot use it. No SSN or ITIN is needed for the fax method. ein.so files the SS-4 for $49 Standard (4-7 business days) or $97 Express (2-3 business days).
Do I need a separate FEIN and EIN?
No. There is no separate FEIN. If a bank or vendor asks for your FEIN, give them your EIN. They are one 9-digit number issued once by the IRS. Applying twice can cause the IRS to assign a duplicate number to the same entity, which creates filing problems. One application produces both your EIN and your FEIN.
What is the format of a FEIN or EIN?
Both FEIN and EIN use the format XX-XXXXXXX, which is 9 digits with a hyphen after the second digit. An example is 12-3456789. The first two digits are the IRS campus prefix. The format is identical regardless of whether a form calls the number a FEIN, an EIN, or a Federal Tax ID.
Does a FEIN or EIN cost money?
The IRS charges $0 for an EIN, which is the same number as a FEIN. US residents with an SSN apply online for free. Non-residents file Form SS-4 by fax at no IRS cost, but the process requires US business hours and error-free formatting. ein.so handles the non-resident filing for $49 Standard or $97 Express.
Does my foreign-owned LLC with an EIN have annual filings?
Yes. A foreign-owned single-member US LLC files Form 5472 with a pro-forma Form 1120 each year. The penalty for not filing is $25,000. The EIN, called a FEIN on many bank forms, is the number tied to these filings. Confirm your exact obligations with a US CPA, since ein.so does not provide tax advice.
Can I use my FEIN or EIN to open a US bank account?
Yes. US business bank accounts request your EIN, which many applications label FEIN. You provide the same 9-digit IRS number either way. Mercury and Relay accept non-resident LLC owners with an EIN and a passport. The bank verifies the number against your CP 575 letter. See our guide on using an EIN for a bank account.
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