How does one actually "cancel" their EIN

[schirallicpa]

My client seems to have 2.  

And I have another client that shut up business and wants to discontinue the EIN.  

They make them so easy to get, but no clue how to get rid of .

[Lee B]

Actually there are instructions:

:The IRS cannot cancel your EIN. 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 EIN will still belong to the business entity and can be used at a later date, should the need arise.

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.

To close your business account, send us a letter that includes the complete legal name of the entity, the EIN, the business address and 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 to us at:

Internal Revenue Service
Cincinnati, Ohio 45999

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 for other actions you may need to take."

[schirallicpa]

Well thank you so much!  I appreciate this.