From Joanne Fritz,
Your Guide to Nonprofit Charitable Orgs.
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Definition: A nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service. Every IRS-designated tax-exempt nonprofit organization has its own EIN.

The IRS uses this number to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax returns. EINs are used by employers, sole proprietors, corporations, partnerships, nonprofit organizations, trusts and estates, government agencies, certain individuals and other business entities.

The IRS provides information about the EIN at its website:

• Online Application
• IRS Q&A for EIN

Also Known As: Tax Number

Examples: "Every business, profit and nonprofit, must have an EIN through the IRS."