Canceling an EIN - Closing Your Account
Once an EIN has been assigned to a business entity, it becomes the permanent Federal taxpayer identification number for that entity. Regardless of whether the EIN is ever used to file Federal tax returns, the EIN is never reused or reassigned to another business entity.
The IRS cannot cancel your EIN. However, if you receive an EIN but later determine you do not need the number (the new business never started up, for example), the IRS can close your business account. The EIN will still belong to the business entity and can be used at a later date, should the need arise.
To close your business account, write to us at: Internal Revenue Service, Cincinnati, Ohio 45999 and state the reason you wish to close your account. If you have a copy of the EIN Assignment Notice that was issued when your EIN was assigned, include that when you write. Otherwise, be sure to include the complete legal name of the entity, the EIN, and the business address.
Note: If (1) you made a Federal Tax Deposit or other Federal tax payment, (2) are liable for any Business Taxes, or (3) the IRS has notified you that a business tax return is due, you must file the appropriate tax return(s) before we can close your account. See Closing a Business Checklist for other actions you may need to take.
Information for Exempt Organizations
If you applied for an EIN for an exempt organization that (1) never applied for formal exemption, (2) is not covered in a group ruling, or (3) never filed an information return, send a letter requesting the closing of your account to:
Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EO Entity
Mail Stop 6273
Ogden, UT 84201
(or you may fax it to (801) 620-7116).
State the reason you wish to close your account. If you have a copy of the EIN Assignment Notice that was issued when your EIN was assigned, you should include that when you write. Otherwise, be sure to include the complete legal name of the entity, the EIN, and the mailing address.
If you are an exempt organization that does not meet the criteria above, see Termination of an Exempt Organization.
For additional information on dissolving an exempt organization, call (877) 829-5500.
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