Comparison Guide
EIN vs CRN Compared
Understand the difference between a US EIN and a United Kingdom CRN. Both are tax identification numbers, but they serve different countries and purposes.
United Kingdom entrepreneurs expanding into the US market frequently encounter both EINs and CRNs. Understanding the difference between these two identification numbers is essential for operating legally in both jurisdictions. This guide provides a complete comparison, explains when you need each number, and shows how United Kingdom business owners can obtain a US EIN.
The key distinction is jurisdiction. An EIN is issued by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for US federal tax purposes. A CRN is issued by Companies House for United Kingdom tax purposes. Neither number is valid in the other's jurisdiction.
Definition
What Is an EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit tax identification number issued by the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses operating in the United States. The format is XX-XXXXXXX (for example, 12-3456789). The IRS issues approximately 5 million EINs per year.
Every US business entity needs an EIN for federal tax filing, opening bank accounts, hiring employees, and accepting payments. The EIN is free to obtain from the IRS and is permanently assigned to the entity once issued.
For a complete explanation, see our guide on what is an EIN.
Key EIN Facts
CRN
What Is a CRN?
A CRN (Company Registration Number) is a 8-digit identification number issued by Companies House in United Kingdom. It uses the format 8 digits or 2 letters + 6 digits (e.g., 12345678 or SC123456). The CRN serves as the primary company registration and corporate identification in United Kingdom.
The CRN (Company Registration Number) is an 8-character identifier issued by Companies House when a company is incorporated in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. Companies registered in Scotland have numbers prefixed with SC. Northern Ireland companies use NI. The CRN is NOT a tax number — it is a company registration identifier. UK companies also need a UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) from HMRC for tax purposes. The CRN and UTR serve different functions: CRN identifies the company entity, UTR identifies it for tax purposes. In the US, the EIN serves both purposes (entity identification and tax identification).
Key CRN Facts
- Issued by: Companies House
- Format: 8 digits or 2 letters + 6 digits (e.g., 12345678 or SC123456)
- Country: United Kingdom
- Purpose: company registration and corporate identification
Comparison
EIN vs CRN: Side-by-Side
| Factor | EIN (United States) | CRN (United Kingdom) | |--------|--------------------|-----------------------| | Full Name | Employer Identification Number | Company Registration Number | | Issuing Authority | IRS (Internal Revenue Service) | Companies House | | Format | XX-XXXXXXX (9 digits) | 8 digits or 2 letters + 6 digits (e.g., 12345678 or SC123456) | | Purpose | US federal tax identification | company registration and corporate identification | | Cost | Free | Varies | | Validity | United States only | United Kingdom only | | Required for | US tax filing, banking, payroll | United Kingdom tax compliance | | Application | Form SS-4 to IRS | United Kingdom tax authority |
The Core Difference
An EIN identifies your business to the US government. A CRN identifies your business to the United Kingdom government. If you operate in both countries, you need both numbers. One does not replace the other.
For United Kingdom Entrepreneurs
How United Kingdom Entrepreneurs Get a US EIN
United Kingdom entrepreneurs who form a US LLC or corporation need a US EIN. The IRS online application requires an SSN, which United Kingdom residents do not have. The solution is to submit Form SS-4 by fax.
Form Your US Entity
Complete Form SS-4
Submit by Fax
Receive Your EIN
Your existing CRN has no bearing on your US EIN application. The IRS does not ask for or verify foreign tax IDs. Your passport is sufficient identification.
For the UK-specific EIN guide, see EIN for UK entrepreneurs. For the tax comparison, see EIN vs UTR.
For more details, see our guide on EIN for non-US residents or how to get an EIN without an SSN.
Both Numbers
Do You Need Both Numbers?
You need an EIN if:
- You formed a US LLC or corporation
- You sell on US platforms (Amazon.com, Shopify US store)
- You need a US business bank account
- You hire US-based employees or contractors
- You file US tax returns
You need a CRN if:
- You operate a business in United Kingdom
- You have tax obligations in United Kingdom
- You employ workers in United Kingdom
- You sell goods or services in United Kingdom
You need both if:
- You operate businesses in both the US and United Kingdom
- You are a United Kingdom resident with a US LLC
- You earn income in both jurisdictions
Most United Kingdom entrepreneurs expanding to the US already have a CRN. They add an EIN when they form their US business entity. The two numbers coexist without conflict.
Summary
Summary: EIN vs CRN
| Question | Answer | |----------|--------| | Are they the same? | No. Different countries, different authorities | | Can one replace the other? | No. Each is valid only in its own country | | Do I need both? | Only if you operate in both countries | | Which do I get first? | Whichever country you start your business in | | Cost of EIN? | Free (IRS) or $49 (ein.so for non-residents) |
For more comparisons, see EIN vs ITIN, EIN vs SSN, or EIN vs Tax ID.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is an EIN the same as a CRN?
No. An EIN is a US federal tax ID from the IRS. A CRN is a company registration and corporate identification from Companies House in United Kingdom. They are issued by different authorities in different countries for different purposes.
Do I need both an EIN and a CRN?
Only if you operate businesses in both the United States and United Kingdom. Your EIN identifies your US business for IRS tax purposes. Your CRN identifies your United Kingdom business for local tax purposes. Each number is valid only in its own jurisdiction.
Can I use my CRN instead of an EIN in the US?
No. The IRS does not accept foreign tax identification numbers for US tax reporting. If you operate a US business entity (LLC, corporation), you must obtain a separate EIN from the IRS regardless of whether you have a CRN in United Kingdom.
How do United Kingdom entrepreneurs get a US EIN?
United Kingdom entrepreneurs can get a US EIN by submitting Form SS-4 to the IRS by fax. No SSN is required. Your United Kingdom passport number serves as your identification. ein.so handles the entire process for $49 (Standard) or $97 (Express).
What format is a CRN?
A CRN uses a 8 digits or 2 letters + 6 digits (e.g., 12345678 or SC123456) format. An EIN uses the XX-XXXXXXX format (9 digits with a hyphen after the second digit). The formats are different and not interchangeable.
Is an EIN valid in United Kingdom?
No. An EIN is valid only for US federal tax purposes. It has no legal standing in United Kingdom. Similarly, a CRN has no legal standing in the United States. Each country issues its own tax identification numbers.
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