How to Get an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal tax ID number the IRS assigns to your business for tax purposes. While single-member LLCs don’t always need an EIN, most LLC owners should get one anyway. It protects your Social Security number, makes tax filing cleaner, and lets you open business bank accounts and hire employees down the road.

The good news? Getting an EIN is completely free and takes just minutes when you do it yourself. Here’s everything you need to know about getting an EIN for your LLC, including how to avoid common scams and costly middlemen.

Do You Need an EIN for Your LLC?

Whether your LLC needs an EIN depends on your specific situation. The IRS requires an EIN if your LLC:

• Has employees (including yourself if you elect corporate tax treatment)
• Has multiple members (multi-member LLCs must have an EIN)
• Elects S-Corp or C-Corp tax status
• Has a Keogh plan
• Files certain tax forms like Form 941 or Form 940

Single-member LLCs with no employees technically don’t need an EIN for federal taxes. You can use your Social Security Number instead. But most business owners should get an EIN anyway because:

• Banks require an EIN to open business accounts
• It keeps your SSN private on business documents
• Many vendors and clients expect businesses to have EINs
• It’s free and takes five minutes
• You’ll likely need it later as your business grows

How to Apply for an EIN (Free Method)

The IRS provides a free online EIN application that takes just a few minutes. This is the only method we recommend for most LLC owners.

Step 1: Go to the Official IRS Website

Visit the IRS EIN application page at irs.gov. Look for “Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) Online.” Be careful to use the official IRS website, not paid third-party services that show up in search ads.

Step 2: Choose Your Entity Type

Select “Limited Liability Company (LLC)” as your entity type. The system will ask follow-up questions about your LLC structure:

• Single-member LLC: Choose this if you’re the only owner
• Multi-member LLC: Choose this if you have partners
• LLC electing corporate tax treatment: Choose this if you’ve elected S-Corp or C-Corp status

Step 3: Provide Basic Information

You’ll need to enter:

• Your LLC’s legal name (exactly as filed with your state)
• Your LLC’s address
• The responsible party’s information (usually you as the owner)
• Your state of formation
• The reason you’re applying for an EIN
• Your expected number of employees in the next 12 months
• Your business start date

Step 4: Submit and Receive Your EIN

Once you submit the application, you’ll receive your EIN immediately. Save the confirmation letter, as this serves as your official EIN documentation. The IRS will also mail you a copy within a few weeks.

Source: IRS.gov, verified March 2026

Alternative Ways to Get an EIN

If the online system isn’t working or you need your EIN immediately, the IRS offers these backup options:

By Phone

Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time. You’ll complete the same application over the phone and receive your EIN during the call.

By Fax

Download Form SS-4 from the IRS website, complete it, and fax it to the number provided in the form instructions. You’ll typically receive your EIN within four business days.

By Mail

Mail the completed Form SS-4 to the address listed in the form instructions. This method takes 4-5 weeks, so only use it if you’re not in a hurry.

Warning: Avoid EIN Service Scams

Many companies advertise “fast EIN services” for fees ranging from $50 to $300. These services are unnecessary middlemen that simply submit the same free IRS application on your behalf. Worse, some are outright scams that take your money and never deliver an EIN.

Common EIN Scam Red Flags

• Websites that look like official IRS sites but aren’t
• Services that charge fees for “expedited” EIN processing
• Companies claiming you need to pay for an EIN
• Services that ask for credit card information upfront
• Websites with URLs like “EIN-IRS.com” or similar IRS impersonators

Remember: Getting an EIN is always free through the IRS. Any service charging fees is unnecessary.

Using Formation Services for EIN Applications

Many LLC formation services include EIN applications as part of their packages. This can be convenient if you’re already using a formation service, but understand what you’re paying for.

Legitimate formation services like Northwest Registered Agent will handle your EIN application as part of their comprehensive LLC formation service. Since you’re already paying for formation help, having them handle the EIN application can save you time.

What to Do After Getting Your EIN

Once you have your EIN, you’ll use it for several important business tasks:

Open a Business Bank Account

Keeping business and personal finances separate is crucial for maintaining your LLC’s liability protection. Most banks require an EIN to open business accounts.

When choosing a business bank, look for accounts with low fees, good online banking features, and convenient branch locations. Consider factors like monthly maintenance fees, transaction limits, and minimum balance requirements.

Set Up Business Accounting

Your EIN helps you maintain clean financial records by clearly separating business and personal income. Good accounting practices protect your LLC status and make tax time much easier.

Whether you handle bookkeeping yourself or hire a professional, having organized financial records is essential. Look for accounting software that integrates with your bank accounts and handles common LLC tax situations.

File Required Tax Forms

Your EIN appears on all business tax filings. Depending on your LLC’s tax election and circumstances, you might file:

• Form 1040 Schedule C (single-member LLCs)
• Form 1065 (multi-member LLCs)
• Form 1120S (LLCs electing S-Corp status)
• Form 941 (if you have employees)
• Form 940 (if you have employees)

Obtain Business Licenses

Many business licenses and permits require an EIN. Research the licenses your specific business needs at the federal, state, and local levels. Common requirements include:

• General business licenses
• Professional licenses (for licensed professions)
• Sales tax permits
• Industry-specific permits

EIN Requirements by State

While the EIN application process is federal and standardized, different states have varying requirements for business registration and tax compliance.

Some states require you to register for state taxes separately from your federal EIN. Others automatically register you for certain state obligations when you form your LLC. Check your state’s specific requirements:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida

For complete information about forming an LLC in your state, including state tax registration requirements, visit our LLC State Guides.

Common EIN Application Mistakes

Avoid these common errors when applying for your EIN:

Using the Wrong Business Name

Use your LLC’s exact legal name as filed with your state. Don’t use “doing business as” names or informal versions of your business name. If your LLC is registered as “Smith Consulting LLC,” use that exact name, not “Smith Consulting” or “Smith Consulting Co.”

Choosing the Wrong Entity Type

Make sure you select “Limited Liability Company (LLC)” as your entity type, not “Corporation” or “Partnership.” This affects how the IRS categorizes your business for tax purposes.

Providing Inconsistent Addresses

Use the same address you provided when registering your LLC with your state. Inconsistent addresses can cause processing delays.

Applying Multiple Times

Each entity should only have one EIN. If you make a mistake on your application, contact the IRS to correct it rather than submitting a new application.

When to Get a New EIN

Most LLCs keep the same EIN throughout their existence, but you’ll need a new EIN if:

• You convert your LLC to a corporation
• Your single-member LLC adds new members
• Your LLC merges with another entity
• You dissolve your LLC and later restart it

Minor changes like address changes, name changes, or tax election changes don’t require a new EIN.

Protecting Your EIN

Your EIN is sensitive business information. Treat it with the same care as your Social Security Number:

• Don’t share it unnecessarily
• Store your EIN confirmation letter securely
• Be cautious about providing it over unsecured communications
• Monitor your business credit reports regularly
• Report suspected EIN fraud to the IRS immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Using the IRS online application, you receive your EIN immediately. Phone applications also provide instant results. Fax applications take about four business days, while mail applications take 4-5 weeks.

Does an EIN expire?

No, EINs don’t expire. Once assigned, your EIN belongs to your LLC permanently, even if you temporarily stop doing business.

Can I use my EIN before receiving the confirmation letter?

Yes, you can use your EIN immediately after receiving it through the online or phone application. You don’t need to wait for the mailed confirmation letter.

What if I made a mistake on my EIN application?

Contact the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 to correct errors. Don’t submit a new application, as this can create confusion and delays.

Can I get an EIN for an LLC that isn’t formed yet?

No, you must have a legally formed LLC before applying for an EIN. Complete your state LLC formation first, then apply for your EIN.

Do I need an EIN if I’m not making money yet?

You can get an EIN even if your LLC isn’t generating revenue yet. In fact, it’s smart to get your EIN early so it’s ready when you need it for business banking, licensing, or tax purposes.

Can I change my EIN if I don’t like the number?

No, the IRS doesn’t allow you to change your EIN for personal preference reasons. You’re assigned a specific number that stays with your LLC.

What’s the difference between an EIN and a DUNS number?

An EIN is a federal tax ID issued by the IRS. A DUNS number is a business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet for credit reporting purposes. They’re different numbers used for different purposes.

Getting Started

Getting an EIN for your LLC is straightforward when you use the free IRS application. The process takes just a few minutes online, and you’ll have your EIN immediately. Avoid paid services that add unnecessary costs to this simple, free process.

Once you have your EIN, you’re ready to open business bank accounts, set up proper accounting, and handle all the administrative aspects of running your LLC professionally.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Filing fees and requirements change : always confirm current fees with your state’s Secretary of State office.