How to Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

You’ve started a business and now everyone’s telling you that you need an EIN. Your bank wants one. Your accountant mentioned it. Maybe the IRS sent you a letter asking for it.

Getting an Employer Identification Number (your business tax ID) is actually straightforward once you know the process. This guide walks you through exactly how to get one, what it costs, and how to avoid the mistakes that trip up most new business owners.

This takes about 8 minutes to read and will save you hours of confusion — plus potentially hundreds of dollars in unnecessary fees.

What You Need to Know First

An EIN is basically a Social Security number for your business. It’s a nine-digit number (formatted like 12-3456789) that the IRS uses to identify your business for tax purposes.

Think of it this way: when you pay employees, open a business bank account, or file tax returns, the government needs to know which business is doing what. Your EIN is how they track everything back to you.

You need an EIN if you:

• Have employees (even if it’s just you paying yourself from an LLC)
• Formed an LLC or corporation
• Want to open a business bank account
• Plan to apply for business credit
• Have business partners
• Want to keep your personal Social Security number off business paperwork

Common myths that waste people’s time:

You don’t need to pay anyone to get an EIN. The IRS provides them free. Those “EIN services” charging $50-300 are just filling out the same free form you can complete yourself.

You can’t get an EIN before you have a legal business entity. If you haven’t filed your LLC or corporation paperwork with your state yet, do that first.

When you don’t need an EIN:

If you’re a sole proprietor with no employees, you can use your Social Security number for everything. But most people get an EIN anyway because it keeps their SSN private and makes them look more professional.

How to Do It — Step by Step

Before you start, have these ready:

• Your business legal name (exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization or Incorporation)
• Business address
• Responsible party information (usually you, as the business owner)
• Date your business started or will start
• Your reason for applying (new business, banking purposes, etc.)

The actual process:

Step 1: Go to IRS.gov and search for “Apply for EIN online”

This takes 2 minutes. Make sure you’re on the official IRS website — scam sites buy ads to appear above the real one.

Step 2: Click “Apply Online Now”

The system is only available Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM Eastern. If you try on weekends, it won’t work.

Step 3: Complete the online application (SS-4 form)

This takes 10-15 minutes. The questions are straightforward:

• What type of entity are you? (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
• What’s your business name?
• Who’s the responsible party?
• Why do you need an EIN?

Step 4: Submit and get your EIN immediately

Once you submit, you’ll see your EIN on screen right away. Print this page or save it as a PDF. This is your official EIN confirmation.

Step 5: Wait for the official letter

The IRS will mail you an official EIN confirmation letter within 1-2 weeks. Banks and vendors sometimes want to see this physical letter, so keep it somewhere safe.

What if the online system doesn’t work for you:

International applicants and some business types can’t use the online system. You’ll need to complete Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS. This takes 4-8 weeks and requires you to call the IRS for your EIN after they process it.

What It Costs

Getting an EIN directly from the IRS: Free

Formation services that include EIN registration: Usually $50-150 as part of a complete package

“EIN services” that just get your EIN: $50-300 (not worth it — they’re doing the same free process)

Hidden costs to watch for:

Some companies advertise “free EIN” but then try to sell you an “EIN operating agreement” or “tax filing service” for hundreds of dollars. The EIN itself should always be free.

Bottom line: If you’re comfortable filling out a 10-minute online form, do it yourself and pay nothing. If you’re forming a business entity anyway, many formation services will handle your EIN as part of the package.

Most people who form a complete business (LLC filing + EIN + registered agent) spend $150-400 total to get everything set up properly.

Mistakes That Cost People Money

Using EIN scam services

These show up as ads when you search “get EIN.” They charge $79-300 for something the IRS provides free. They’re not necessarily illegal, but they’re unnecessary.

How to avoid it: Only use IRS.gov for your EIN application. Bookmark the real page so you don’t accidentally click on an ad later.

Applying before your business is legally formed

You can’t get an EIN for an LLC that doesn’t exist yet. The IRS will reject your application.

How to avoid it: File your Articles of Organization (for an LLC) or Articles of Incorporation first. Wait until you get your state confirmation before applying for your EIN.

Using the wrong business name

If your LLC is legally named “Smith Consulting LLC” but you apply for an EIN under “Smith Consulting,” the names won’t match on your bank paperwork.

How to avoid it: Use your exact legal business name — the one on your state filing documents. You can add a DBA (doing business as) name later if you want to use something shorter.

Not saving your EIN confirmation

Banks, accountants, and vendors will ask for your EIN constantly. If you lose it, getting a replacement letter from the IRS takes weeks.

How to avoid it: Print the confirmation page immediately. Save a PDF copy. Put the physical IRS letter somewhere you’ll remember.

Getting multiple EINs for the same business

Some people think they need separate EINs for different business activities. Usually, you don’t. One business = one EIN in most cases.

How to avoid it: If you’re unsure whether you need multiple EINs, ask a CPA who knows your situation. Don’t just apply for extras to be safe.

Not understanding what comes next

Getting an EIN doesn’t automatically make you ready for taxes. You still need to choose how your business gets taxed, set up payroll if you have employees, and file the right forms each year.

How to avoid it: Connect with a business accountant or CPA after you get your EIN. They’ll help you understand your ongoing tax obligations.

For International Founders

Non-U.S. citizens can absolutely get an EIN for their U.S. business. You don’t need a visa, green card, or Social Security number.

The process is slightly different:

The IRS online system often doesn’t work for international applicants. You’ll likely need to complete Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS, then call to get your EIN once it’s processed. This takes 4-8 weeks instead of getting it instantly online.

Some international founders successfully use the online system by selecting “other” for SSN and entering their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if they have one.

Popular state choices for international founders:

Wyoming offers strong privacy protection, low fees, and no state income tax on business profits. Delaware is preferred if you plan to raise investment funding because investors and attorneys are familiar with Delaware corporate law.

The registered agent requirement:

Every U.S. business needs a registered agent with a physical U.S. address. This can’t be a P.O. box. If you don’t live in the U.S., you’ll need to hire a registered agent service. We provide this service in all 50 states as part of our formation packages.

Banking challenges:

Opening a U.S. business bank account as a non-resident is the trickiest part. Some banks require you to visit in person. Others work with international founders remotely.

Mercury, Relay, and Wise Business are popular with international entrepreneurs because they’re designed to work with remote founders. Traditional banks like Chase or Bank of America are much more difficult.

Tax obligations you need to know:

Foreign-owned single-member LLCs must file Form 5472 annually, even if the business made no money. The penalty for not filing starts at $25,000, so this isn’t optional.

Multi-member LLCs and corporations have different requirements. Work with a CPA who specializes in international tax planning — these rules are complex and the penalties for mistakes are severe.

FAQ

Can I get an EIN if I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You don’t need to be a U.S. resident or citizen to get an EIN for your U.S. business. The process may take longer (fax instead of online application), but it’s definitely possible.

How long does an EIN last?
Forever. Once you have an EIN, it’s yours for the life of your business. You don’t need to renew it or pay ongoing fees.

Can I use my EIN instead of my Social Security number?
For business purposes, yes. Your EIN keeps your SSN private on business bank accounts, credit applications, and vendor paperwork. You’ll still use your SSN for personal taxes.

What if I made a mistake on my EIN application?
Minor mistakes (like a typo in your address) can usually be corrected by calling the IRS. Major mistakes (like the wrong business name) might require getting a new EIN and closing the old one.

Do I need an EIN for each state I do business in?
No. One EIN works for your entire business, regardless of which states you operate in. You might need to register to do business in other states, but that’s separate from your EIN.

Can I change my EIN later?
Generally, no. Your EIN stays with your business. If you change your business structure significantly (like converting from an LLC to a corporation), you might need a new EIN.

What’s the difference between an EIN and a business license?
An EIN is your federal tax ID number. Business licenses are permits to operate in specific locations or industries. You typically need both, but they’re completely different things.

How do I prove I have an EIN?
The IRS will mail you an official EIN confirmation letter. This is what banks and vendors usually want to see. Keep the original somewhere safe and make copies for daily use.

Ready to Get Started?

Getting an EIN is just one piece of starting your business properly. At BusinessFormations.com, we handle entity formation, EIN registration, and ongoing compliance in all 50 states. We’ll walk you through choosing the right business structure, file your paperwork with the state, get your EIN, and help you stay compliant as your business grows.

[Start your business formation today](https://www.businessformations.com/get-started/) and we’ll take care of the paperwork while you focus on building your business.