Permit guides › San Francisco › SF-BF-02
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN): San Francisco restaurant guide
IRS
What it is
Your business's federal tax ID — the SF business registration, CDTFA, EDD, ABC and your bank all ask for it.
When a restaurant needs it
Right after the entity is formed and before hiring anyone.
How to apply
Apply free with the IRS EIN Online Assistant in a single session; the number is issued immediately.
Documents you’ll need
- Entity legal name and formation state
- Responsible party's SSN or ITIN
- Business address
- Entity type and start date
Fee
Free — 'You never have to pay a fee for an EIN'
Processing time
Immediate online (one session; times out after 15 minutes of inactivity)
Renewal
None
Who files
The responsible party or an authorized representative may apply.
Good to know
The online tool runs Mon–Fri 6 a.m.–1 a.m. Eastern (shorter hours on weekends) and allows one EIN per responsible party per day. Ignore third-party sites that charge for this.
Official source
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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.