Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN): Nashville restaurant guide

Internal Revenue Service

What it is

Your business's federal tax ID, needed for payroll, bank accounts, state tax registration and the county business license.

When a restaurant needs it

Right after forming the entity, before hiring or registering for state taxes.

How to apply

Apply free on the IRS EIN online assistant; the number is issued immediately once approved.

Documents you’ll need

Responsible party's SSN or ITIN
Entity legal name and formation details
Business address

Fee

Free

Processing time

Immediate online (one session; expires after 15 minutes of inactivity)

Renewal

None

Who files

The responsible party or an authorized representative files.

Good to know

Only one EIN per responsible party per day. Beware of third-party sites that charge for this.

Official source

IRS — Get an EIN

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.