How to Get an EIN

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a free, nine-digit number issued by the IRS that identifies your business for tax purposes. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your business. Every LLC with more than one member or with employees needs an EIN, and even single-member LLCs should get one to open a business bank account and keep their personal Social Security Number off business documents. Applying for an EIN is free and takes about 15 minutes online.

This guide walks you through what an EIN is, who needs one, and how to apply step by step.

What Is an EIN?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to identify a business entity. It is also sometimes called a Federal Tax Identification Number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). The format is XX-XXXXXXX (two digits, a hyphen, then seven digits).

Your EIN is used for a wide range of business purposes:

• Filing federal and state tax returns
• Opening a business bank account
• Hiring employees and running payroll
• Applying for business licenses and permits
• Filing paperwork with the IRS or state agencies
• Establishing business credit
• Applying for a business credit card or loan

An EIN is permanent. Once the IRS assigns an EIN to your business, it is never reused or reassigned to another business, even if your business closes. If your LLC changes its name, address, or members, you keep the same EIN. However, if your LLC changes its tax structure (for example, from a single-member LLC to a multi-member LLC), you may need to apply for a new EIN.

Who Needs an EIN?

Not every business is legally required to have an EIN, but most should get one. Here is who needs an EIN:

Required to have an EIN:

• Multi-member LLCs (taxed as a partnership)
• Any LLC or business that has employees
• Any business that files employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco, and firearms tax returns
• Corporations and S-Corporations
• Trusts, estates, and non-profit organizations
• Any LLC that elects to be taxed as a corporation or S-corporation

Not legally required but strongly recommended:

• Single-member LLCs with no employees — while you can use your Social Security Number (SSN) for tax purposes, getting an EIN protects your SSN from being shared on business forms, invoices, and tax documents. Most banks also require an EIN to open a business bank account.

In short, every LLC should get an EIN. It is free, takes only a few minutes, and keeps your personal information private.

How to Apply for an EIN Online (Step-by-Step)

The fastest and easiest way to get an EIN is through the IRS EIN online application. The online application is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You will receive your EIN immediately upon completing the application.

Important: To use the online application, you must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have an SSN or ITIN (for example, if you are a non-US citizen living outside the United States), you cannot use the online application and must apply by fax or mail instead.

Step 1: Go to the IRS EIN Application Page

Visit the IRS EIN online application. Click “Apply Online Now” and then click “Begin Application.” The IRS website is the only place to apply for a free EIN online. Do not use third-party websites that charge a fee — they are simply submitting the same free application on your behalf.

Step 2: Select Your Entity Type

Choose “Limited Liability Company (LLC)” from the list of entity types. On the next screen, enter the number of members in your LLC and the state where your LLC was formed.

Step 3: Choose Why You Need an EIN

Select the reason you are applying. For most new LLCs, the correct answer is “Started a new business.” Other options include “Hired employees,” “Banking purposes,” and “Changed type of organization.”

Step 4: Enter the Responsible Party Information

The IRS requires you to designate a “responsible party” — this is the person who controls, manages, or directs the LLC. For most LLCs, this is the owner or managing member. You will need to provide the responsible party’s full legal name, SSN or ITIN, and mailing address. The responsible party must be an individual (not another business entity).

Step 5: Enter Your LLC Details

Provide your LLC’s legal name (as it appears on your formation documents), physical address, and mailing address. You will also be asked about the type of business activity your LLC conducts and the date your LLC was formed (or the date you started doing business).

Step 6: Submit and Receive Your EIN

Review your information for accuracy, then submit the application. If everything is correct, the IRS will issue your EIN immediately on screen. You can download, save, and print the confirmation notice (called a CP 575 notice). Keep this notice with your important business records. The IRS will also mail a paper copy of the CP 575 notice to the address you provided, which typically arrives within 4 to 6 weeks.

Tip: Save or print your EIN confirmation immediately. If you close the browser before saving it, you will need to wait for the mailed copy or call the IRS to retrieve your EIN.

How to Apply by Fax or Mail

If you cannot use the online application, you can apply for an EIN by fax or mail using IRS Form SS-4.

Applying by Fax

Complete Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS fax number for your state (listed in the Form SS-4 instructions). The IRS will fax your EIN back to you within 4 business days. Make sure to include a return fax number on the form. This method is commonly used by non-US citizens who do not have an SSN or ITIN.

IRS fax numbers:

• If your principal business, office, or agency is located in the United States: (855) 641-6935
• If you have no legal residence, principal place of business, or principal office or agency in the United States: (855) 215-1627

Applying by Mail

Complete Form SS-4 and mail it to the appropriate IRS address (listed in the Form SS-4 instructions). Processing time for mail applications is 4 to 6 weeks. Due to the long wait time, mail applications are not recommended unless you have no other option.

IRS mailing addresses:

• If located in the United States: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999
• If located outside the United States: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999

How to Apply as a Non-US Citizen

Non-US citizens who do not have a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) cannot use the IRS online application. Instead, they must apply by fax or by calling the IRS directly.

Applying by Phone (International Applicants)

Non-US citizens can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at (267) 941-1099 (not a toll-free number) to apply for an EIN by phone. The line is available Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The IRS agent will ask you the same questions that appear on Form SS-4 and will issue your EIN at the end of the call. This is the fastest option for international applicants.

Applying by Fax (International Applicants)

Complete Form SS-4 and fax it to (855) 215-1627. The IRS will fax your EIN back within 4 business days. In the space where the form asks for the responsible party’s SSN or ITIN, write “Foreign” and include the responsible party’s foreign passport number and country of citizenship.

For complete instructions on starting an LLC as a non-US citizen, including how to get an EIN, open a US bank account, and understand your tax obligations, see our guide to forming an LLC as a non-US resident.

EIN vs SSN vs ITIN

The IRS uses several types of identification numbers for different purposes. Here is how they compare:

Key differences:

• An EIN identifies a business. An SSN and ITIN identify an individual.
• You can apply for an EIN for free and receive it immediately (online) or within a few days (fax). SSNs and ITINs take longer to obtain.
• An EIN protects your personal SSN by giving your business its own tax identification number.
• You do not need an SSN to get an EIN, but the online application requires one. Without an SSN, you must apply by fax or phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free to get an EIN?

Yes. Applying for an EIN through the IRS is completely free, whether you apply online, by fax, by mail, or by phone. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge a fee to “help” you get an EIN — they are simply submitting the same free IRS application on your behalf. Always apply directly through the IRS website.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

If you apply online, you receive your EIN immediately upon completing the application. If you apply by fax, you will receive your EIN within 4 business days. If you apply by mail, it takes 4 to 6 weeks. If you are an international applicant calling the IRS, you receive your EIN at the end of the phone call.

Can I apply for an EIN online?

Yes, as long as you have a valid SSN or ITIN. The IRS online EIN application is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, you must apply by fax or phone.

Do I need an EIN if I am a single-member LLC with no employees?

You are not legally required to have an EIN in this case — you can use your SSN for tax purposes. However, it is strongly recommended. An EIN protects your SSN from being shared on business forms, and most banks require an EIN to open a business bank account. Since it is free and takes only a few minutes, there is no reason not to get one.

Can I use my EIN to open a bank account?

Yes. In fact, most banks require an EIN (along with your LLC formation documents and operating agreement) to open a business bank account. Having a separate business bank account is important for maintaining the liability protection of your LLC and keeping your personal and business finances separate.

What if I lose my EIN?

If you lose or misplace your EIN, you can retrieve it by calling the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933 (Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time). You can also find your EIN on any previous tax returns filed by your LLC, on the original CP 575 notice from the IRS, or on your business bank account documents.

Can I have more than one EIN?

Each business entity can only have one EIN. However, if you own multiple businesses, each one can have its own EIN. For example, if you have two LLCs, each LLC would have a separate EIN. You may need to apply for a new EIN if your LLC undergoes certain structural changes, such as changing from a single-member LLC to a multi-member LLC.