Permit guides › Philadelphia › PHL-BF-02

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN): Philadelphia restaurant guide

IRS

What it is

Your federal tax ID, needed for state and city tax registration and the Commercial Activity License.

When a restaurant needs it

Right after forming the entity.

How to apply

Apply online with the IRS EIN tool; the number is issued immediately if approved.

Documents you’ll need

Entity formation details
Responsible party's SSN/ITIN

Fee

Free — the IRS never charges for an EIN

Processing time

Immediate online

Renewal

None

Who files

The owner or an authorized third-party designee may apply.

Good to know

The online tool times out after 15 minutes of inactivity and allows one EIN per responsible party per day.

Official source

IRS — Get an EIN

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