Reference Guide
EIN Number Format: XX-XXXXXXX Explained (2026)
Every EIN follows the same format: two digits, a hyphen, then seven digits. The first two digits reveal which IRS campus issued the number. This guide breaks down every component of the EIN format so you can verify, understand, and use your EIN correctly.
Short Answer
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is formatted as XX-XXXXXXX: two digits, a hyphen, then seven digits, totaling 9 digits. The first two digits identify the IRS campus that issued the EIN. Every EIN is unique and permanent. The IRS never reuses or reassigns EINs. This format distinguishes EINs from SSNs (XXX-XX-XXXX) and ITINs (9XX-XX-XXXX), even though all three are 9-digit numbers.
What Does Each Part of an EIN Number Mean?
The 2-7 Digit Split Explained
An EIN contains exactly 9 digits written in the format XX-XXXXXXX. The number breaks down into two parts. The first two digits (the prefix) identify the IRS campus or processing center that issued the EIN. The remaining seven digits are a sequential identifier assigned to your specific business entity. Together, these 9 digits create a unique identifier that belongs to your business permanently.
Example: EIN 84-1234567 Breakdown
For example, in the EIN 84-1234567, the prefix "84" indicates the EIN was issued through the IRS online application system. The remaining "1234567" is the sequential number assigned to that entity. The hyphen after the second digit is always present in the formatted version and is required on most IRS forms and business documents.
The EIN format has remained consistent since the IRS began issuing these numbers. Unlike SSNs, which have area numbers, group numbers, and serial numbers with specific validation rules, the EIN structure is simpler: a campus prefix plus a sequential identifier. This makes EINs easier to verify visually. If you see a 9-digit number formatted as XX-XXXXXXX, it is almost certainly an EIN. For a broader overview, see our guide on what an EIN is.
What Do the First Two Digits of an EIN Tell You?
Campus Prefix History: Pre-2001 vs Post-2001
The first two digits of an EIN are the campus prefix code. Before the IRS allowed online applications, the prefix indicated which IRS processing campus handled your application, which corresponded to your geographic location. Since the IRS launched online EIN applications in 2001, most new EINs carry internet-assigned prefixes in the 80-99 range.
| Prefix Range | IRS Campus / Source |
|---|---|
| 01-06 | Brookhaven, NY |
| 10-16 | Austin, TX |
| 20-27 | Philadelphia, PA |
| 30-38 | Kansas City, MO |
| 40-48 | Ogden, UT |
| 50-58 | Cincinnati, OH (closed) |
| 60-68 | Atlanta, GA (closed) |
| 71-77 | Memphis, TN |
| 80-88 | Internet (online applications) |
| 90-99 | Internet (online applications) |
What Your Prefix Tells You
If your EIN starts with 80 or higher, it was issued through the IRS online system. If it starts with a lower number, it was issued by a specific IRS campus, likely through a fax or mail application. Non-residents who apply by fax through ein.so receive EINs with campus prefixes corresponding to the IRS campus that processes fax applications (currently the Ogden and Kansas City campuses).
How Do You Verify an EIN Is Valid?
4-Step Format Validation
To verify an EIN format, check these four criteria. First, the number must contain exactly 9 digits. Second, it must be formatted as XX-XXXXXXX with a single hyphen after the second digit. Third, the first two digits must fall within a valid IRS prefix range (01-06, 10-16, 20-27, 30-38, 40-48, 50-58, 60-68, 71-77, 80-88, or 90-99). Fourth, the number should not start with 00 or 07-09, as these are not assigned prefixes.
Format verification tells you that a number looks like a valid EIN, but it does not confirm the EIN belongs to a specific business. To verify that an EIN is assigned to a particular entity, you need to use the EIN lookup methods described in our lookup guide, such as the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search for nonprofits or SEC EDGAR for public companies. You can also find free options in our free EIN lookup guide.
Hyphenated vs Digits-Only Entry
When entering your EIN on government forms, bank applications, and tax returns, always include the hyphen unless the form explicitly asks for digits only. Some electronic systems accept only digits (123456789), while printed forms expect the hyphenated format (12-3456789). Using the wrong format can cause processing delays or rejections.
How Does the EIN Format Compare to SSN and ITIN?
Three 9-Digit Formats Compared
All three tax identification numbers (EIN, SSN, and ITIN) contain 9 digits, but their formats are distinct. The EIN uses a 2-7 split (XX-XXXXXXX). The SSN uses a 3-2-4 split (XXX-XX-XXXX). The ITIN also uses a 3-2-4 split but always starts with the digit 9 (9XX-XX-XXXX). These format differences make it easy to identify which type of tax ID you are looking at.
| Factor | EIN | SSN | ITIN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | XX-XXXXXXX (2-7 split) | XXX-XX-XXXX (3-2-4 split) | 9XX-XX-XXXX (starts with 9) |
| Total Digits | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Issued To | Business entities | US citizens and permanent residents | Non-resident aliens (tax filing only) |
| Issued By | IRS | Social Security Administration | IRS |
| Permanent? | Yes (never reused) | Yes | Expires if unused for 3 years |
| Example | 84-1234567 | 123-45-6789 | 912-34-5678 |
Why Format Accuracy Prevents Rejections
The format matters because using the wrong type of number on a form triggers processing errors. If the IRS expects an EIN (XX-XXXXXXX) and you enter an SSN (XXX-XX-XXXX), the system rejects the submission. Similarly, banks and payment processors validate the format of tax IDs during account setup. Always enter the right type of number in the right field to avoid delays and rejections.
What Are Common EIN Format Mistakes?
Missing the Hyphen
Entering "123456789" instead of "12-3456789" on forms that expect the hyphenated format. Most IRS forms and bank applications require the hyphen. Electronic systems sometimes strip it automatically, but paper forms almost always need it.
Placing the Hyphen Wrong
Writing "123-456789" or "123-45-6789" instead of "12-3456789". The EIN hyphen goes after the second digit, not the third. If you place the hyphen in the SSN position, the system may interpret your EIN as an SSN and reject it.
Confusing EIN with State Tax ID
State tax identification numbers have different formats and lengths than federal EINs. Your state tax ID is not interchangeable with your EIN. When a form asks for your EIN or Federal Tax ID, provide the 9-digit XX-XXXXXXX number from your IRS confirmation letter, not your state number.
Transposing Digits
Swapping two adjacent digits (typing "12-3465789" instead of "12-3456789") is a common data entry error that causes tax filing rejections and bank application failures. Always double-check your EIN against your original CP 575 confirmation letter before entering it anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an EIN number look like?
An EIN is a 9-digit number formatted as XX-XXXXXXX. That is two digits, a hyphen, then seven digits. For example, 12-3456789. The hyphen always appears after the second digit. This format distinguishes an EIN from an SSN (XXX-XX-XXXX) and an ITIN (9XX-XX-XXXX).
What do the first two digits of an EIN mean?
The first two digits of an EIN indicate the IRS campus that processed the application. For example, prefixes 01-06 were assigned by the Brookhaven campus in New York, 10-16 by the Austin campus in Texas, and 20-27 by the Philadelphia campus in Pennsylvania. Since 2001, the IRS has used internet-assigned prefixes (20-48 and others) for online applications.
Can an EIN start with 00?
No. Valid EIN prefixes range from 01 to 99, but not all prefixes are in use. The IRS has assigned specific prefix ranges to different processing campuses and online systems. An EIN starting with 00 would be invalid. If you see an EIN that starts with 00, it is either a formatting error or a fraudulent number.
Is an EIN always 9 digits?
Yes. Every EIN issued by the IRS contains exactly 9 digits. The formatted version includes a hyphen after the second digit (XX-XXXXXXX), but the underlying number is always 9 digits. If you encounter a number with fewer or more digits claiming to be an EIN, it is not a valid EIN.
How is an EIN different from an SSN in format?
An EIN is formatted as XX-XXXXXXX (2-7 split). An SSN is formatted as XXX-XX-XXXX (3-2-4 split). Both are 9-digit numbers, but the position of the hyphen(s) is different. An EIN has one hyphen after 2 digits; an SSN has two hyphens creating three groups. This makes them visually distinct.
Where do I find the EIN format on IRS documents?
The IRS prints your EIN in the XX-XXXXXXX format on your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575), all IRS correspondence, tax return acknowledgments, and any notices. The EIN always appears with the hyphen. When entering your EIN on tax forms and applications, include the hyphen unless the form specifically asks for digits only.
Can two businesses have the same EIN?
No. Every EIN is unique to a single entity. The IRS never reuses or reassigns EINs, even after a business closes. Once an EIN is assigned to your entity, it belongs to that entity permanently. If your business structure changes (for example, converting from a sole proprietorship to an LLC), you need a new EIN for the new entity.
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