An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns in the following format: XX-XXXXXXX. It is used to identify the tax accounts of employers and certain other taxpayers. The IRS uses the number to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax returns. However, for employee plans, an alpha (for example, P) or the plan number (for example, 003) may follow the EIN.

If you are an employee and need to enter or change the EIN in your TaxAct® return:

1. From within your TaxAct return (Online or Desktop) click the Federal tab. On smaller devices, click in the upper left-hand corner, then select Federal.
2. Click Wages and Salaries to expand the category, then click Wage income reported on Form W-2
3. Click Add to create a new W-2, or click Review to view or modify a W-2 already created
4. If you choose Step-by-Step Guidance, you should enter the EIN from your W-2 in the field for Box (b) Employer's ID number. If you choose Quick Entry, enter the number in Box (b) as it appears on the W-2 you received from your employer.

Contact your employer if you have any questions related to the EIN that appears in Box (b) on your W-2. 
 
Additional Information:

• EIN Valid Range
• If you need information regarding EINs as they relate to Schedule C or F instead, please see the IRS website Do You Need an EIN?
• IRS Publication 1635 Understanding Your EIN has additional information on Employer Identification Numbers (EIN).