The very first administrative step of becoming a household employer is getting an Employer Identification Number (EIN). It's the number that identifies you as an employer on your nanny's W-2 and on your Schedule H — and you use it instead of your Social Security number so your SSN never has to appear on employment forms.

An EIN is free. The IRS never charges for one — any site asking for a fee is a third party reselling a free government service.

Do I actually need one?

Yes. If you're going to file a W-2 and Schedule H — which you will once you cross the wage thresholds — you need an EIN. It takes the place of your SSN on those forms. Getting one does not make you a business; it simply registers you as a household employer.

The fastest way: apply online

The IRS online EIN Assistant issues your number immediately at the end of the session. Start it here: Apply for an EIN online (IRS). A few things to know before you start:

  • The tool is only open during set hours (roughly business hours, Eastern time) — not 24/7.
  • You must finish in one sitting; it times out after about 15 minutes of inactivity and doesn't save.
  • When it asks the type of entity, choose the option for household/domestic employer (an individual employing household help).
  • Save or print the confirmation (Form CP 575) as soon as you get your number — that's your official record.
Have your SSN or ITIN handy — the IRS ties the EIN to you as the 'responsible party.' The whole thing usually takes 10–15 minutes.

Slower alternatives

If you can't use the online tool, you can file Form SS-4 by fax (about four business days) or by mail (about four weeks). Online is faster and easier for almost everyone.

Don't forget your state

Your federal EIN is separate from any state employer account you may need for state unemployment (SUTA) or income-tax withholding. Most states have their own quick online registration. States with no income tax (like Tennessee, Texas, and Florida) still typically require a state unemployment account.

This isn't tax advice, and state rules vary. Check your own state's labor and revenue departments for the exact registrations you need.

Once you have your EIN, House uses it to generate your nanny's W-2 and your Schedule H figures — no re-typing, no math.

Start setting up payroll

The bottom line

Get your federal EIN free online in about 15 minutes, register for any state accounts your state requires, and you've cleared the paperwork that stands between you and running your first payroll.