What to Do if You Don't Have an EIN as a Freelancer

Getting asked for a W-9 can be intimidating, especially if it's your first time working as a freelancer or independent contractor. One of the most common questions is: "What do I do if I don't have an EIN?"The good news? You almost certainly don't need one.

The Short Answer: Use Your SSN

If you are a freelancer, sole proprietor, or single-member LLC, you are generally not required to have an Employer Identification Number (EIN). Instead, the IRS allows you to use your Social Security Number (SSN) as your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) on Form W-9.

Who Needs an EIN vs Who Doesn't

How to Fill Out the W-9 with Your SSN

When filling out the form without an EIN, follow these rules:

• Line 1: Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears on your tax return.
• Line 2: Leave blank unless you have a registered DBA (Doing Business As) name.
• Line 3 (Tax Classification): Check "Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC."
• Part I (TIN): Enter your 9-digit SSN in the Social Security Number field. Leave the EIN field blank.
• Part II: Sign and date the certification.

For a complete walkthrough of every field, see our step-by-step W-9 guide.

Should You Get an EIN Anyway?

While your SSN works perfectly fine, there are compelling reasons to get an EIN even if you're not required to:

• Privacy: Every client you send a W-9 to sees your SSN. With multiple clients, that's multiple copies of your SSN floating around in filing cabinets and email servers.
• Identity theft protection: If any client's records are breached, your SSN could be exposed. An EIN is not linked to your personal credit.
• Professionalism: An EIN signals to clients that you're running a legitimate business.
• Banking: Many banks require (or prefer) an EIN to open a business checking account, which helps separate personal and business finances.
• Future-proofing: If you ever hire employees, form a partnership, or elect corporate tax status, you'll need an EIN anyway.

How to Get a Free EIN (5 Minutes)

If you decide to get an EIN, the process is free and fast:

1. Go to irs.gov and search for "Apply for an EIN Online."
2. Click the "Apply Online Now" button.
3. Answer a series of questions about your business structure (select "Sole Proprietor" or "LLC" as applicable).
4. Provide your SSN for verification (this is a one-time IRS verification, not stored publicly).
5. Receive your EIN instantly at the end of the application.
6. Download and save the confirmation letter (CP-575) for your records.

Switching from SSN to EIN on Your W-9

If you get an EIN after you've already submitted W-9s with your SSN, you should:

1. Fill out a new W-9 with your EIN in the TIN section.
2. Send the updated W-9 to all active clients.
3. Ask them to replace your old W-9 in their records.
4. The new EIN will be used on future 1099s issued to you.

Note: Your old 1099s with your SSN are still valid for prior tax years. The switch only affects future reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my client care if I use an SSN instead of an EIN?

No. Clients accept both. The W-9 has fields for both SSN and EIN — you simply fill in whichever applies. There is no preference or penalty for using one over the other.

Can the IRS reject a W-9 with an SSN?

No. The IRS specifically allows sole proprietors and single-member LLCs to use their SSN. In fact, the IRS prefers the SSN for disregarded entities (single-member LLCs).

I got an EIN but lost the confirmation letter — what do I do?

Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. They can look up your EIN after verifying your identity. You can also find your EIN on previously filed tax returns or any IRS correspondence.

Can I use someone else's EIN on my W-9?

Absolutely not. Using an EIN that doesn't belong to you on a W-9 is tax fraud and can result in severe IRS penalties and criminal charges.