EIN for Partnership
Mandatory for ALL partnerships. Prepare your partnership Federal Tax ID application for Form 1065 filing, business bank accounts, and vendor relationships.
EIN is MANDATORY for All Partnerships
Unlike sole proprietors, partnerships MUST have an EIN - there are no exceptions. You cannot use your personal SSN for partnership business.
This includes: General Partnerships (GP), Limited Partnerships (LP), Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP), and any multi-member business entity.
Types of Partnerships We Help
General Partnership (GP)
Two or more individuals sharing ownership. All partners share liability equally. EIN required to file Form 1065.
Limited Partnership (LP)
Has general and limited partners. Limited partners have liability protection based on investment. EIN mandatory.
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
Partners protected from each other's malpractice. Common for law firms, accounting firms. EIN required.
Multi-Member LLC
LLCs with 2+ members are taxed as partnerships by default. Must file Form 1065 and need EIN.
Investment Partnership
Partnerships formed to pool investment capital. May be structured as LP or LLC. EIN required.
Joint Venture
Temporary partnerships for specific projects. May need separate EIN depending on structure.
Why Partnerships Need an EIN
File Form 1065
Partnerships must file Form 1065 (US Return of Partnership Income) annually. The EIN is required to file - you cannot use individual SSNs.
Open Business Bank Accounts
Banks require an EIN to open accounts in the partnership's name. Essential for keeping business finances separate from personal.
Issue K-1s to Partners
Partnerships must issue Schedule K-1 to each partner showing their share of income, deductions, and credits. EIN appears on all K-1s.
Vendor & Client Requirements
Many vendors and clients require an EIN on W-9 forms. Using a partner's SSN looks unprofessional and may cause tax reporting issues.
Partnership EIN vs LLC EIN
| Partnership | Multi-Member LLC | |
|---|---|---|
| EIN Required? | Always required | Always required (taxed as partnership) |
| Tax Return | Form 1065 | Form 1065 (default) |
| K-1 Required? | Yes - for each partner | Yes - for each member |
| Liability Protection | GP: None, LP/LLP: Partial | Full personal liability protection |
| Formation | Can be informal (GP) or state-filed (LP/LLP) | Must file with state |
Note: If you have a multi-member LLC, it's automatically taxed as a partnership unless you elect otherwise. You'll need an EIN and file Form 1065. Learn about LLC EINs →
How to Get Your Partnership EIN
Gather Partnership Information
Have your partnership agreement handy. You'll need the partnership name, type, formation date, and principal address.
Complete Our Simple Application
Answer straightforward questions about your partnership. Takes about 10 minutes. We prepare the IRS Form SS-4 for you.
Expert Review & IRS Submission
Our partnership specialists review your application for consistency before submission to help reduce avoidable IRS follow-up.
Receive Your Partnership EIN
Get your official EIN via email. You're ready to open bank accounts, set up accounting, and operate your partnership.
What You Need to Apply
Partnership Information:
- Legal name of partnership
- Type (GP, LP, LLP, LLC)
- State of formation
- Date partnership started
- Principal business address
- Primary business activity
Responsible Partner (General Partner):
- Full legal name
- Social Security Number
- Title/Role in partnership
- Contact phone and address
Note: For general partnerships without formal state registration, you can use the date you started doing business together. Written partnership agreements are strongly recommended.
Partnership EIN Pricing
Standard
$197
24-48 Hours
- Complete IRS filing
- Priority partnership review
- Fast 24-48hr processing
- Priority support
Express
$327
Same Day
- Complete IRS filing
- Immediate review
- Same-day review target
- Dedicated specialist
Partnership EIN FAQ
Do all partnerships need an EIN?
Yes, ALL partnerships must have an EIN. Unlike sole proprietors, partnerships cannot use an individual partner's SSN for business purposes. This applies to general partnerships, limited partnerships, and LLPs.
Is a multi-member LLC a partnership?
For tax purposes, yes. Unless you elect otherwise, the IRS treats multi-member LLCs as partnerships. You'll file Form 1065 and issue K-1s to members, just like a traditional partnership.
Can I form a partnership without registering with the state?
General partnerships can form informally without state registration. However, limited partnerships (LP) and LLPs must be registered with the state. Either way, you still need an EIN.
How fast can I get a partnership EIN?
With our service: Basic (3-5 business days), Standard (24-48 hour estimate), Express (same-day review target). Don't let the EIN delay opening your business bank account.
International Partners
Starting a US partnership with international partners? Foreign individuals can be partners in US partnerships. We handle IRS phone applications for international partners who don't have an SSN.
Start Your Partnership EIN Application
Mandatory for all partnerships - don't delay your business
Start Partnership EIN Application - $97✓ Express review available | ✓ Refund policy available | ✓ Partnership specialists