EIN Application Guide
Get your Federal Tax ID (EIN) number directly from the IRS for free. Avoid unnecessary fees and get instant approval with our comprehensive application guide.
What Is an EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique 9-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. Also called a Federal Tax ID, it's formatted as 12-3456789 and serves as your business's social security number.
EIN vs SSN vs ITIN
- • EIN: Business identifier for tax purposes
- • SSN: Individual taxpayer ID for US citizens/residents
- • ITIN: Individual taxpayer ID for non-residents filing US taxes
Do You Need an EIN?
✅ EIN Required
- •Businesses with employees - Payroll tax requirements
- •Corporations (C-Corp & S-Corp) - Always required
- •Multi-member LLCs - Taxed as partnerships
- •Partnerships - Always required
- •Filing excise tax returns - Alcohol, tobacco, firearms
- •Keogh plans - Retirement plans
⚡ EIN Optional (But Recommended)
- •Single-member LLCs - Can use owner's SSN
- •Sole proprietorships - Without employees
- •Opening business bank accounts - Bank requirements
- •Business licenses - State/local requirements
- •Privacy protection - Avoid using personal SSN
How to Apply for an EIN (Step-by-Step)
Ensure Your Business is Properly Formed
For LLCs and corporations, complete state formation before applying for an EIN. The business must legally exist before the IRS will issue a tax ID number.
Required First:
- • File Articles of Organization (LLC) or Incorporation (Corp) with state
- • Receive state filing confirmation
- • Have official business formation date
- • Know exact legal business name
Gather Required Information
Have all necessary business and personal information ready before starting the application.
Information Needed:
- • Legal business name (exactly as on formation documents)
- • Trade/DBA name (if different from legal name)
- • Business address (physical location, not PO Box)
- • Mailing address (can be different from business address)
- • Responsible party info (name, SSN/ITIN, address)
- • Business start date (when business began or will begin)
- • Principal business activity (what your business does)
- • Entity type (LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.)
- • Reason for applying (started business, hired employees, etc.)
- • Expected employees (within 12 months)
Choose Your Application Method
The IRS offers several application methods with different processing times.
🟢 Online (Recommended)
- • Processing: Instant approval
- • Hours: Mon-Fri, 7 AM - 10 PM ET
- • Requirement: US-based business
- • Limit: 1 EIN per day per person
🟡 Other Methods
- • Fax: 4+ weeks (delays common)
- • Mail: 4-5 weeks minimum
- • Phone: International applicants only
Complete the Online Application
Access the official IRS EIN Assistant at IRS.gov and complete your application in one session.
Application Tips:
- • Complete in one session: Cannot save and return later
- • 15-minute timeout: Session expires with inactivity
- • Double-check information: Errors can cause delays
- • Use exact legal names: Match state formation documents
- • Responsible party: Must have SSN/ITIN and authority
Receive Your EIN Instantly
Upon successful completion, you'll immediately receive your 9-digit EIN. Save this number securely.
What You Get:
- • EIN confirmation page: Print or screenshot immediately
- • CP575 notice: Mailed within 1-2 weeks
- • Immediate use: Can open bank accounts right away
- • Keep records: Store confirmation in business files
Entity-Specific Requirements
Single-Member LLCs
Default classification: Disregarded entity (can use owner's SSN)
Partnerships
Always require EIN - no exceptions
Multi-Member LLCs
Default classification: Partnership (always needs EIN)
Corporations
Always require EIN - separate tax entities
Common Problems and Solutions
Lost or Forgotten EIN
Your EIN never expires, but if you lose it, recovery options are available.
Recovery Methods:
- • Check previous tax returns, bank statements, or business documents
- • Call IRS Business Line: 800-829-4933 (authorized person only)
- • Submit written request with business details and ID proof
Application Errors and Rejections
Common mistakes that cause application problems and delays.
Typical Errors:
- • Wrong business names: Must match formation documents exactly
- • Incorrect responsible party: Must have authority and valid SSN/ITIN
- • Premature application: Business not yet formed with state
- • Duplicate applications: Only one per entity
When You Need a New EIN
Major business structure changes may require applying for a new EIN.
New EIN Required When:
- • Sole proprietorship incorporates or forms partnership
- • Corporation changes to partnership or sole proprietorship
- • Partnership incorporates or becomes sole proprietorship
- • LLC changes from single to multi-member (or vice versa)
- • Business files bankruptcy or undergoes major restructuring
Processing Times & Methods Comparison
| Method | Processing Time | Availability | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (IRS.gov) | Immediate | Mon-Fri, 7AM-10PM ET | US-based businesses |
| Phone | Immediate | 267-941-1099, Mon-Fri | International only |
| Fax | 4+ weeks | 24/7 | When online unavailable |
| 4-5+ weeks | Always | Last resort |
2024 Update: Fax and mail processing experiencing significant delays due to IRS backlogs. Online application strongly recommended for fastest service.
After You Get Your EIN
Immediate Next Steps
- •Save confirmation: Print or screenshot EIN confirmation page
- •Open business bank account: Use EIN to separate business and personal finances
- •Update business records: Add EIN to operating agreements and bylaws
- •Business licenses: Use EIN for state and local license applications
Ongoing Compliance
- •Tax returns: File appropriate business tax returns annually
- •Employee taxes: Set up payroll tax accounts if hiring staff
- •Annual reports: File state annual reports separately (not related to EIN)
- •Record keeping: Maintain CP575 notice and all EIN documentation
Ready to Get Your EIN?
Apply directly through the official IRS website for free, instant approval. Avoid paid services and get your Federal Tax ID the right way.