Comparison Guide
EIN vs DUNS Number
Understand the difference between an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS and a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet. Both are 9 digits, but they serve completely different purposes.
Business owners frequently confuse EINs and DUNS numbers because both are 9-digit identifiers assigned to businesses. The similarity ends there. An EIN is a government-issued tax ID required for federal tax reporting. A DUNS number is a private-sector identifier used for business credit monitoring. This guide explains exactly what each number does, when you need them, and how to get both.
Understanding the difference matters because using the wrong number in the wrong context causes delays. Banks ask for your EIN, not your DUNS number. Government contract applications ask for your DUNS number, not your EIN. Mixing them up wastes time. Learn the difference once and never confuse them again.
Definition
What Is an EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number formatted as XX-XXXXXXX, issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to businesses and other entities operating in the United States. The IRS uses EINs to identify taxpayers who are required to file business tax returns.
Every business that hires employees, operates as a corporation or partnership, or files certain tax returns must have an EIN. The IRS issues approximately 5 million new EINs each year. An EIN is free to obtain and permanent once assigned. Read our complete guide on what is an EIN for a detailed explanation.
Key Facts About EINs
- Issued by: Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Format: XX-XXXXXXX (9 digits)
- Cost: $0 (free from IRS)
- Purpose: Federal tax identification and reporting
- Required for: Tax returns, payroll, bank accounts, business licenses
- Application: Form SS-4 (online, fax, phone, or mail)
- Processing time: Instant (online) or 4-7 business days (fax)
DUNS
What Is a DUNS Number?
A DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number is a unique 9-digit identifier assigned to businesses by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), a private commercial data analytics company. Dun & Bradstreet maintains a database of over 500 million business records worldwide. The DUNS number is the key identifier in this database.
Dun & Bradstreet created the DUNS system in 1963. The US federal government adopted it in 1994 as the standard identifier for entities doing business with the government. The DUNS number is linked to a company's D&B credit file, which tracks payment history, financial stress scores, and credit ratings.
Key Facts About DUNS Numbers
- Issued by: Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), a private company
- Format: 9 digits (no hyphen, e.g., 123456789)
- Cost: Free (standard 30-day processing) or $229 (expedited 1-5 days)
- Purpose: Business credit identification and government contracting
- Required for: Federal contracts, grants, some business credit applications
- Application: Online at dnb.com or by phone at 866-705-5711
- Processing time: 30 business days (free) or 1-5 business days ($229)
Comparison
EIN vs DUNS Number: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | EIN | DUNS Number | |--------|-----|-------------| | Full Name | Employer Identification Number | Data Universal Numbering System | | Issued By | IRS (US Government) | Dun & Bradstreet (Private Company) | | Digits | 9 (XX-XXXXXXX) | 9 (no hyphen) | | Cost | Free | Free (30 days) or $229 (expedited) | | Purpose | Tax identification | Business credit tracking | | Legal Requirement | Yes (for most businesses) | No (optional, except for govt contracts) | | Used On | Tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, bank apps | Credit reports, contract bids, SAM.gov | | Expiration | Never | Never (but must be renewed/updated) | | Who Needs It | All US business entities | Businesses seeking credit or govt contracts | | International | Available to non-US entities | Available worldwide (500M+ records) | | Application Method | Online, fax, phone, mail (Form SS-4) | Online or phone | | Processing Time | Instant to 7 business days | 30 business days (free) |
The Core Difference
An EIN is a legal requirement for operating a business in the United States. Without an EIN, you cannot file taxes, open a business bank account, or hire employees. The IRS requires it.
A DUNS number is a business decision. No law requires you to have one unless you bid on federal contracts or apply for federal grants. Dun & Bradstreet is a private company, not a government agency. Your DUNS number helps you build a business credit profile separate from your personal credit.
When You Need Each
When Do You Need an EIN vs DUNS Number?
You Need an EIN When You:
- Form an LLC, corporation, or partnership — The IRS requires an EIN for all multi-member entities and recommends one for single-member LLCs.
- Hire employees — Payroll tax reporting requires an EIN on every W-2 and quarterly 941 filing.
- Open a business bank account — Every US bank requires an EIN to open a business checking or savings account. See our guide on EIN for bank accounts.
- File federal tax returns — Your EIN appears on Form 1120, 1065, Schedule C, and all other business tax forms.
- Accept payments through PayPal, Stripe, or Amazon — Payment processors require a tax ID for 1099-K reporting.
- Apply for business licenses — Most state and local business licenses require an EIN.
You Need a DUNS Number When You:
- Bid on US government contracts — Registration in SAM.gov (System for Award Management) requires a DUNS number.
- Apply for federal grants — All federal grant applications require a DUNS number.
- Build business credit — D&B's Paydex score is one of the primary business credit scores in the US.
- Establish vendor credit — Some suppliers check your D&B credit file before extending net-30 or net-60 terms.
- Verify business legitimacy — Some large companies require DUNS numbers from their vendors for due diligence.
How to Get
How to Get an EIN and DUNS Number
Getting an EIN
US residents with an SSN or ITIN can apply online through the IRS EIN Assistant at irs.gov. The EIN is issued immediately. Non-US residents must submit Form SS-4 by fax to the IRS at 855-215-1627. Processing takes 4-7 business days.
Non-US residents who want a faster process use ein.so. We prepare your Form SS-4, fax it to the IRS, and deliver your EIN by email. Standard processing costs $49. Express processing costs $97. Learn more about how to get an EIN.
Getting a DUNS Number
Visit dnb.com and click "Get a DUNS Number." The free option takes 30 business days. The expedited option costs $229 and takes 1-5 business days. You will need your business name, address, phone number, and your EIN. Note: you should get your EIN first, because Dun & Bradstreet will ask for it during the application.
Recommended Order
- Get your EIN first (required for everything else)
- Open your business bank account with your EIN
- Then apply for your DUNS number if you need one
- Start building business credit through your D&B profile
Business Credit
EIN and DUNS: Building Business Credit
Your EIN is the foundation of your business identity. Your DUNS number is the foundation of your business credit profile. Together, they allow you to separate your personal finances from your business finances completely.
The D&B Paydex score ranges from 0 to 100. A score of 80+ indicates that your business pays on time. This score is based on payment data reported to Dun & Bradstreet by your vendors and creditors. The Paydex score is linked to your DUNS number, not your EIN.
However, you cannot get a DUNS number without first having an EIN. The EIN establishes your business as a legal entity. The DUNS number then tracks that entity's creditworthiness. For non-residents building US business credit, the first step is always getting an EIN. See our guide on EIN for business credit.
Business Credit Building Steps
- Get an EIN — Apply through ein.so for $49
- Form your LLC — Register with a US state (Wyoming, Delaware, or your operating state)
- Open a business bank account — Use your EIN and LLC documents
- Get a DUNS number — Apply at dnb.com (free)
- Establish vendor credit — Open net-30 accounts with suppliers who report to D&B
- Pay on time — Build your Paydex score to 80+
- Apply for business credit cards — Use your EIN, not your SSN
Common Mistakes
Common Mistakes: EIN vs DUNS
Mistake 1: Using a DUNS Number on Tax Forms
Your DUNS number has no function on IRS forms. Always use your EIN on tax returns, W-2s, 1099s, and any IRS correspondence. The IRS does not recognize DUNS numbers.
Mistake 2: Thinking a DUNS Number Is Required
Unless you are bidding on government contracts or applying for federal grants, a DUNS number is optional. Many successful businesses operate without one. An EIN is the only identifier that is legally required.
Mistake 3: Paying for an EIN
The IRS issues EINs for free. If a service charges $200+ for an EIN alone, you are overpaying. ein.so charges $49 for the complete SS-4 filing service because non-residents cannot use the free online tool. The service fee covers form preparation and fax submission.
Mistake 4: Getting a DUNS Number Before an EIN
Always get your EIN first. Dun & Bradstreet requires your EIN during the DUNS application process. Without an EIN, you cannot complete the DUNS application.
Mistake 5: Confusing the Two Because Both Are 9 Digits
An EIN uses the format XX-XXXXXXX (with a hyphen after the second digit). A DUNS number is 9 straight digits with no hyphen. If someone asks for your "9-digit business number," ask whether they mean your EIN (tax ID) or DUNS number (credit ID).
Summary
EIN vs DUNS: Quick Summary
An EIN is your business's tax identity. A DUNS number is your business's credit identity. You need an EIN to operate legally. You need a DUNS number only if you want to build business credit or work with the federal government.
Get your EIN first. It costs $0 from the IRS (or $49 through ein.so for non-residents). Then decide if a DUNS number makes sense for your business goals.
| Question | Answer | |----------|--------| | Do I need an EIN? | Yes, if you have a US business entity | | Do I need a DUNS number? | Only for govt contracts or business credit | | Which one first? | EIN first, DUNS second | | Are they the same? | No. Different issuers, different purposes | | Cost? | EIN: Free (IRS) / $49 (ein.so). DUNS: Free (30 days) / $229 (expedited) |
For more comparisons, see EIN vs Tax ID, EIN vs TIN, or EIN vs SSN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a DUNS number the same as an EIN?
No. An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a federal tax ID issued by the IRS for tax reporting. A DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number is a business credit identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet for credit reporting. They serve completely different purposes and are issued by different organizations.
Do I need both an EIN and a DUNS number?
Most businesses need an EIN for tax purposes. A DUNS number is optional unless you plan to apply for government contracts, seek business credit, or want to build a business credit profile. An EIN is legally required for tax filing. A DUNS number is a business decision.
How much does a DUNS number cost?
A DUNS number is free to obtain from Dun & Bradstreet. The standard processing time is 30 business days. Expedited processing (1-5 business days) costs $229. An EIN is also free when obtained directly from the IRS.
Can I use my DUNS number instead of an EIN?
No. A DUNS number cannot replace an EIN for tax purposes. The IRS requires an EIN on all business tax returns, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and other federal tax documents. A DUNS number has no tax function.
Do non-US residents need a DUNS number?
Non-US residents typically do not need a DUNS number unless they are bidding on US government contracts through their US business entity. Most non-residents need an EIN first to establish their US business. ein.so handles EIN applications for non-residents for $49.
How long does it take to get a DUNS number vs an EIN?
An EIN can be obtained instantly online (US residents with SSN) or within 4-7 business days by fax. A DUNS number takes 30 business days with free processing or 1-5 business days with expedited service ($229).
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