An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is like a Social Security number for your business. Getting one is free and takes just minutes. Here's exactly how to do it.
✅ Good News
Getting an EIN is 100% free directly from the IRS. Don't pay any service to get one for you!
What is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN), also called a Federal Tax ID Number, is a unique 9-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes.
Format: XX-XXXXXXX (e.g., 12-3456789)
Do You Need an EIN?
You need an EIN if your LLC:
- Has employees (or plans to hire)
- Has more than one member (multi-member LLC)
- Is taxed as a corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp election)
- Files excise, employment, alcohol, tobacco, or firearms tax returns
- Withholds taxes on income paid to a non-resident alien
Even if not required, you should get an EIN because:
- Privacy - Use EIN instead of your SSN on business forms
- Banking - Required to open a business bank account
- Credibility - Clients and vendors may request it
- Free - There's no reason not to get one
How to Apply for an EIN
There are 4 ways to get an EIN:
Online (Instant)
- • Available Mon-Fri, 7am-10pm EST
- • EIN issued immediately upon completion
- • Only for US-based applicants
By Fax (4 business days)
- • Complete Form SS-4
- • Fax to (855) 641-6935
- • EIN faxed back within 4 business days
By Mail (4-5 weeks)
- • Complete Form SS-4
- • Mail to IRS address for your state
- • EIN mailed back in 4-5 weeks
By Phone (International only)
- • Call (267) 941-1099 (not toll-free)
- • Available Mon-Fri, 6am-11pm EST
- • Only for applicants outside the US
Step-by-Step Online Application
Go to IRS.gov
Navigate to the EIN Online Application page
Click "Apply Online Now"
Start the application process
Select Entity Type
Choose "Limited Liability Company (LLC)"
Enter LLC Details
Legal name, state of formation, date formed
Specify Member Count
Single-member or multi-member LLC
Enter Responsible Party
Person who controls/manages the LLC (usually you)
Provide Contact Info
Address and phone number
Select Reason for Applying
Usually "Started new business" or "Banking purposes"
Review and Submit
Double-check all information
Receive Your EIN
Download or print your EIN confirmation letter
Information You'll Need
Before starting the application, have this ready:
- LLC legal name - Exactly as filed with the state
- State of formation - Where your LLC was formed
- Date of formation - When your LLC was officially formed
- Principal business address - Can be home address
- Responsible party info - Name and SSN of the managing member
- Business activity description - What your LLC does
⚠️ Important
The IRS online system only allows one EIN application per responsible party per day. If you need multiple EINs, apply on different days.
After You Get Your EIN
Once you have your EIN, you can:
- Open a business bank account
- Apply for business credit cards
- Hire employees
- File business tax returns
- Apply for business licenses and permits
- Set up payroll
Avoid EIN Scams!
Many websites charge $50-200+ to get an EIN for you. This is a waste of money - the IRS provides EINs completely free. Only use IRS.gov.
Lost Your EIN?
If you can't find your EIN, you can:
- Check your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575)
- Look at past tax returns
- Check bank account applications
- Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line: (800) 829-4933
Summary
Need Help with EIN?
Our dashboard includes an EIN application helper that pre-fills your LLC information.
Go to EIN Helper