Employer Identification Number (EIN) — Payroll Definition

Employer Identification Number (EIN) paystub meaning: A 9-digit number the IRS assigns to businesses for tax identification — like an SSN for companies.

A 9-digit number the IRS assigns to businesses for tax identification — like an SSN for companies.

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is assigned to business entities by the IRS for tax reporting purposes. Format: XX-XXXXXXX. Every business that has employees must have an EIN — it appears on paystubs, W-2s, and 1099s. You can apply for a free EIN instantly at IRS.gov. It's also needed to open a business bank account, apply for business credit, and file business tax returns.

Payroll and labor-law terms can vary by jurisdiction and by the facts of a particular job. This definition is an orientation, not legal advice; current federal, state, local, union, and employer rules may all matter.

When this term appears on a statement, read its label, current amount, year-to-date amount, pay-period context, and any adjacent rate or hours together. Resolve a mismatch with the original issuer or the cited authority rather than changing a record to force a preferred result.