A sole proprietor without employees and who doesn't file any excise or pension plan tax returns doesn't need an EIN (but can get one). In this instance, the sole proprietor uses his or her social security number (instead of an EIN) as the taxpayer identification number.

Should I get an EIN as a sole proprietor or LLC?

As a sole proprietorship doing business through an LLC, you do not need a separate EIN number unless you have employees or are required to file excise tax returns. ... Owners of single-member LLCs are not required to have separate EINs because they are not considered employees of the LLC by the IRS.

Can a business operate without an EIN?

You'll need an EIN to hire employees or contractors as well. Single-member LLCs and sole proprietors aren't required to operate with an EIN, as long as they have no employees. However, having an EIN isn't just for the IRS.