Form SS-4 is the Application for Employer Identification Number, or EIN.  You need an EIN to report and remit employment taxes for your household employee and to give tax statements to your household employee.  You must use your EIN on all items you send to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Fill out and mail Form SS-4 to the IRS to obtain an EIN.  If you do not have your own EIN by the time a return is due, write "Applied for" and the date you submitted Form SS-4 in the space shown for the number.