EIN Registration
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your business’s federal tax ID — the equivalent of a Social Security Number for your company. You need it before you can open a bank account, hire employees, file taxes, or apply for business licenses. We handle the IRS application for you — same-day processing for U.S. residents, fax filing for international founders — and deliver your EIN confirmation to your dashboard.
Why You Need an EIN
Almost nothing works without one. Your EIN is the first thing you need after formation — before banking, before hiring, before doing anything.
Open a Business Bank Account
Every bank requires your EIN to open a business checking account. Without it, you can’t deposit checks made out to your business, accept merchant payments under your company name, or keep business and personal finances separated.
File Business Taxes
The IRS identifies your business by its EIN on every tax return — Schedule C, Form 1065, 1120, 1120-S, or 990. You also need it to file quarterly estimated taxes, payroll returns, and employment tax forms.
Hire Employees
An EIN is required before you can run payroll, withhold taxes, or file employment tax returns (Form 941, W-2s). Independent contractors also need your EIN for their 1099 forms.
Protect Your SSN
Without an EIN, your Social Security Number goes on every tax form, W-9 request, and vendor application. An EIN keeps your SSN private and reduces identity theft risk.
Apply for Business Licenses
State and local licensing applications require your EIN. Sales tax permits, professional licenses, industry-specific permits — all need your federal tax ID number.
Build Business Credit
Your EIN is tied to your business credit profile with Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business. Credit applications, business credit cards, and vendor credit accounts all require it.
What’s Included
We handle the IRS application end to end. You receive your EIN and confirmation letter.
Eligibility Verification
We verify your entity is properly formed with the state and confirm the correct entity type and responsible party information before submitting to the IRS. Wrong entity classification causes delays and complications.
IRS Application (Form SS-4)
We complete and submit IRS Form SS-4 with the correct entity type, responsible party, and tax classification. For U.S. residents: online submission with same-day EIN. For international: fax submission to the IRS.
EIN Confirmation (CP575)
The IRS issues confirmation letter CP575 — your official EIN assignment notice. We deliver this to your dashboard. This is the document banks require to open your business account. Keep it permanently.
Same-Day Processing
U.S. residents receive their EIN the same day — often within minutes of our submission. Orders placed before 3 PM ET are processed the same business day. International applications are faxed within 24 hours of order.
Correct Entity Classification
We select the proper IRS entity classification — single-member LLC, multi-member LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, nonprofit. Getting this wrong on the EIN application creates tax filing issues that are tedious to correct.
Dashboard Delivery
Your EIN and CP575 confirmation letter are uploaded to your online dashboard alongside your other formation documents. Access anytime — no digging through email or paper files.
How It Works
Three steps. We handle all the IRS interaction.
Provide Your Details
Entity name, entity type, state of formation, responsible party name, SSN or ITIN (for the responsible party), and business address. Takes about 3 minutes. We verify everything before submitting.
We Submit to the IRS
Online for U.S. residents (instant EIN). Fax for international applicants (4–8 weeks). We select the correct entity classification and ensure the application matches your formation documents exactly.
Receive Your EIN
Your EIN and CP575 confirmation letter are delivered to your dashboard. For U.S. residents: same day. For international: we notify you as soon as the IRS responds (typically 4–8 weeks by fax).
EIN Registration Pricing
The IRS charges $0 for EIN applications. Our fee covers preparation, filing, and delivery.
Standard EIN
U.S. residents
- Eligibility verification
- Form SS-4 prepared & filed
- Correct entity classification
- Same-day EIN delivery
- CP575 confirmation letter
- Dashboard access
International EIN
Non-U.S. residents
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- Fax filing (Form SS-4)
- No SSN or ITIN required
- IRS follow-up handling
- Estimated 4–8 week processing
- Status updates via dashboard
For founders without a U.S. SSN or ITIN
Get International EIN →Free with Formation
Standard or Premium plans
- Included in formation plans:
- EIN registration handled
- Filed alongside formation
- Correct entity type selected
- CP575 in your dashboard
- No separate application needed
Part of LLC, Corp, or Nonprofit Standard+ plans
See Formation Plans →The IRS doesn’t charge for EIN applications. If you’re a U.S. resident with an SSN, you can apply directly on IRS.gov for free. Our service is for business owners who want us to handle it (especially to ensure the entity classification is correct) and for international founders who can’t use the IRS online tool.
U.S. Residents vs International Founders
The process is very different depending on whether you have a U.S. Social Security Number.
🇺🇸 U.S. Residents (SSN or ITIN)
If you or your responsible party has a U.S. Social Security Number or ITIN, the process is fast and straightforward.
- Method: Online application via IRS.gov
- Processing: Instant — EIN issued immediately
- Requirements: SSN or ITIN of the responsible party
- Available: Monday–Friday, 7 AM–10 PM ET
- Cost: Free (IRS) or $49 (through our service)
- Delivery: Same-day to your dashboard
🌍 International Founders (No SSN)
If no member, shareholder, or responsible party has a U.S. SSN or ITIN, the EIN must be obtained by fax.
- Method: Fax Form SS-4 to IRS (online tool not available)
- Processing: 4–8 weeks (sometimes faster)
- Requirements: Foreign passport or national ID of the responsible party
- SSN needed? No — “Foreign” is entered on the SS-4
- Cost: $99 through our service
- Delivery: Dashboard notification when IRS responds
The 4–8 week wait is the IRS bottleneck. No service can accelerate this — the IRS processes international fax applications in the order they’re received. We fax within 24 hours of your order and follow up if the response is delayed.
Getting the Entity Classification Right
The most common EIN application mistake — and the hardest to fix.
When you apply for an EIN, the IRS asks you to select your entity type and tax classification. This determines how the IRS expects you to file taxes. Selecting the wrong classification — for example, marking a multi-member LLC as a sole proprietorship, or a planned S-Corp as a C-Corp — creates tax filing mismatches that trigger IRS notices and require correction letters.
The most common errors we see: single-member LLCs marked as corporations (should be disregarded entity/sole proprietor unless S-Corp elected), multi-member LLCs marked as sole proprietor (should be partnership), and corporations that plan to elect S-Corp marked as S-Corp before Form 2553 is filed (should be C-Corp first, then elect S-Corp separately).
Fixing a wrong classification isn’t impossible, but it involves writing a letter to the IRS, referencing your EIN, and waiting for confirmation — a process that can take weeks. We prevent this by verifying your formation documents and intended tax treatment before submitting.
Correct Classifications
SINGLE-MEMBER LLC (default)
Sole Proprietor / Disregarded Entity
MULTI-MEMBER LLC (default)
Partnership
LLC WITH S-CORP ELECTION
S-Corporation (after Form 2553 filed)
CORPORATION (default)
C-Corporation
CORPORATION WITH S-CORP ELECTION
S-Corporation (after Form 2553 filed)
NONPROFIT
Tax-Exempt Organization
Who Needs an EIN?
Short answer: virtually every business. Here are the specifics.
✅ You MUST Get an EIN
- LLCs: Every LLC needs an EIN — even single-member LLCs (required by most banks and recommended for SSN protection)
- Corporations: C-Corps and S-Corps always require an EIN
- Nonprofits: Required before filing Form 1023 or 1023-EZ for 501(c)(3) status
- Partnerships: Multi-member LLCs and general partnerships require an EIN
- Any business with employees: You can’t run payroll without one
- Any business that files excise tax returns: Alcohol, tobacco, firearms
🤔 You May Not Need an EIN
- Solo freelancers with no LLC: You can use your SSN on W-9s and tax returns — but an EIN still protects your SSN
- Sole proprietors with no employees: Technically not required by the IRS unless you file certain returns — but your bank will probably still want one
Even if not required, get one anyway. An EIN is free from the IRS and takes 5 minutes. It protects your SSN on W-9 forms, client invoices, and vendor applications. There’s no downside to having one.
What to Do After Getting Your EIN
Your EIN unlocks the next steps. Here’s what to do with it.
🏦 Open a Bank Account
Bring your EIN confirmation (CP575), Articles of Organization or Incorporation, and Operating Agreement or bylaws to your bank. Open a dedicated business checking account and credit card. Never commingle personal and business funds.
📋 Apply for Business Licenses
State and local license applications require your EIN. Sales tax permits, professional licenses, and industry-specific permits can now be submitted. Check requirements at federal, state, county, and city levels.
💼 Set Up Payroll (If Applicable)
If you’ll have employees or have elected S-Corp status, set up payroll with Gusto, ADP, or OnPay using your EIN. You’ll need it for W-2s, quarterly 941 filings, and employment tax deposits.
💳 Apply for Business Credit
Your EIN is tied to your business credit profile. Apply for a business credit card to start building credit history. Register with Dun & Bradstreet (free DUNS number) to establish your business credit file.
📊 Set Up Bookkeeping
Connect your new business bank account to QuickBooks, Wave, or Xero. Your EIN identifies your business on all tax-related transactions. Track income and expenses from day one — not from “when it gets busy.”
📄 Update W-9 Forms
Provide your EIN (not your SSN) on W-9 forms for clients and vendors. This keeps your Social Security Number off third-party records and reduces identity theft risk. Use your EIN on every business form going forward.
EIN vs SSN vs ITIN: What’s the Difference?
Three different tax identification numbers for three different purposes.
| EIN ✓ | SSN | ITIN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stands for | Employer Identification Number | Social Security Number | Individual Taxpayer ID Number |
| Issued to | Business entities | U.S. citizens & permanent residents | Non-residents who need a U.S. tax number |
| Issued by | IRS | Social Security Administration | IRS |
| Format | XX-XXXXXXX (9 digits) | XXX-XX-XXXX (9 digits) | 9XX-XX-XXXX (begins with 9) |
| Used for | Business tax filings, banking, payroll | Personal tax filings, employment, credit | Personal tax filings for non-residents |
| Can open a bank account? | ✅ Business account | ✅ Personal account | ✅ Personal account (some banks) |
| Cost | Free (IRS) or $49–$99 (service) | Free | Free (IRS) |
International founders: You do not need an SSN or ITIN to get an EIN for your U.S. business. The EIN application by fax accepts “Foreign” in the SSN field. However, if you want to apply online (which is instant), you need an SSN or ITIN. We handle the fax process for international founders. International formation guide →
Lost Your EIN? Here’s How to Find It
If you’ve misplaced your EIN or CP575 confirmation letter, don’t panic — the IRS doesn’t issue new EINs for existing entities. Your original number is permanent. Here’s how to recover it:
Check your records first. Your EIN appears on: your CP575 letter, previous tax returns, bank account applications, state filings, and any W-9 forms you’ve submitted. Check your email for the original confirmation.
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line. 1-800-829-4933, Monday–Friday, 7 AM–7 PM local time. Have the responsible party available to verify identity — the IRS will only disclose the EIN to an authorized person. They can confirm your number over the phone.
Request a new CP575. If you need a replacement confirmation letter, the IRS can mail a 147C letter (EIN verification letter) to the address on file. This typically arrives within 4–6 weeks.
⚠️ EIN Scams to Avoid
Multiple websites charge $50–$200+ to “get your EIN” — many are just submitting the free IRS form on your behalf. Some are outright scams that collect your SSN and personal information.
Legitimate services (like ours) clearly disclose that the IRS charges $0 and explain the value they provide (entity verification, correct classification, international filing, dashboard delivery).
Red flags: Sites that imply the IRS charges a fee, sites that require your SSN before showing pricing, sites with no clear business address, and sites that promise “expedited” processing (the IRS doesn’t offer expedited EIN service — online is already instant for U.S. residents).
What Our Customers Say
“Formed my LLC on Monday, had my EIN by Tuesday morning. Walked into Chase with my Articles, Operating Agreement, and EIN letter — had a business account open by lunch. Couldn’t have been smoother.”— Marcus D., Consulting (Texas LLC)
“International founder here — the fax process was the part I dreaded. They handled the entire SS-4 submission and followed up when the IRS was slow. Got my EIN in about 5 weeks. Opened a Mercury account the same day it arrived.”— Priya S., SaaS Founder (Delaware LLC, from India)
“I originally applied for my EIN myself and selected the wrong entity type — marked my multi-member LLC as a sole proprietor. BusinessFormations helped me correct it and get the right classification on file with the IRS.”— Kevin & Laura T., E-Commerce (Florida LLC)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EIN?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit number (formatted XX-XXXXXXX) issued by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your company. Also called a Federal Tax ID Number or FEIN. Every LLC, corporation, and nonprofit needs one — it’s used for banking, tax filing, payroll, licensing, and credit applications.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
U.S. residents with an SSN or ITIN: same day (often within minutes of applying online). International founders without a U.S. SSN: 4–8 weeks via fax filing. There is no way to accelerate the international process — the IRS processes fax applications in the order they’re received. We fax within 24 hours of your order.
Is getting an EIN free?
Yes — the IRS charges nothing for EIN applications. You can apply for free at IRS.gov if you’re a U.S. resident with an SSN. Our $49 service fee covers preparation, entity classification verification, filing, and dashboard delivery. Our $99 international service covers the fax filing process for founders without a U.S. SSN.
Do I need an SSN to get an EIN?
No. International founders can obtain an EIN without an SSN or ITIN by filing Form SS-4 by fax. The responsible party’s foreign passport or national ID number is used instead. The only limitation: you can’t use the IRS online tool — it requires an SSN or ITIN. That’s why the fax process takes 4–8 weeks instead of being instant. International guide →
Can a single-member LLC use the owner’s SSN instead?
For tax filing purposes, a single-member LLC can technically use the owner’s SSN since it’s a “disregarded entity.” However, banks typically require an EIN to open a business account, and using your SSN means it appears on every W-9 form, vendor application, and business record. An EIN is free and takes 5 minutes — there’s no good reason not to get one.
Does my EIN ever change?
Usually not. Your EIN is permanent. However, you may need a new EIN if: your entity structure changes (sole prop to LLC, LLC to corporation), your partnership composition changes significantly, you buy or inherit a business, or a corporation receives a new charter. Simply changing your business name or address does not require a new EIN.
What if I selected the wrong entity type on my EIN application?
You’ll need to contact the IRS to correct it. Write a letter to the IRS address where you filed, reference your EIN, and explain the correct classification. Alternatively, call 1-800-829-4933. This can take several weeks to resolve. Our service prevents this by verifying your formation documents and intended tax treatment before we submit.
Is the EIN included in your formation plans?
Yes — EIN registration is included in our Standard ($149) and Premium ($299) formation plans for LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits. For international founders, the $99 International EIN is available as an add-on to any formation plan. The Starter ($0) plan does not include EIN registration. Compare plans →
Can I apply for an EIN before my LLC is formed?
No. The IRS requires your entity to be legally formed with the state before issuing an EIN. The application asks for your exact legal name as registered with the state, your state of formation, and your entity type. Apply for your EIN after your Articles are approved — not before.
How do I find my EIN if I lost it?
Check your CP575 letter, previous tax returns, bank applications, and W-9 forms you’ve submitted. If you can’t find it: call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 (Monday–Friday, 7 AM–7 PM). The responsible party can verify identity and receive the EIN over the phone. Request a 147C verification letter if you need an official replacement document.
Get Your EIN Today
Same-day EIN for U.S. residents. International fax filing available. We handle the IRS application, verify your entity classification, and deliver your confirmation to your dashboard.
$49 U.S. · $99 International · Free with Standard+ formation plans
