sole-proprietor need EIN?

I spent most of this last year self-employed (in Ohio). Unfortunately, I was very ignorant, and did not handle my withholdings, thinking I would do this as I normaly would as an employee at tax time (I did save enough money to handle this). I also used independent contractors on occasion. I realize I will need to send out 1099's... but based on this, should I get an EIN? Or is it only needed if I have employees? if it weren't required but I were to get one, w/o currently having employees, would it only make things more of a hassle?

You do not need an EIN if all your workers pass the IRS IC test.