how to get an EIN for an LLC
Getting an EIN (Employer Identification Number) for your LLC is one of those administrative tasks that seems more complicated than it actually is. The good news? It’s free and takes about 15 minutes if you know what you’re doing.
Most LLCs need an EIN even if they don’t have employees. Banks require it to open business accounts. The IRS uses it to track your business taxes. And it keeps your personal Social Security Number off business paperwork, which is a smart privacy move.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly when your LLC needs an EIN, how to get one directly from the IRS, and what information you’ll need to have ready before you start.
What You Need to Understand
An EIN is basically a Social Security Number for your business. The IRS assigns this nine-digit number (formatted like 12-3456789) to identify your LLC for tax purposes.
Think of it as the bridge between forming your LLC with your state and operating as a legitimate business. Your state gives you permission to exist as an LLC through your articles of organization (the document that officially creates your LLC). The IRS gives you an EIN so you can handle taxes, banking, and other federal requirements.
When Your LLC Actually Needs an EIN
You need an EIN if your LLC:
- Has employees (even one part-time employee)
- Has multiple members (owners)
- Plans to elect S-Corp tax treatment
- Wants to open a business bank account (most banks require it)
- Will have excise tax liability
You might not need an EIN if you’re a single-member LLC with no employees and you’re comfortable using your SSN for business purposes. But most people get one anyway for privacy and professionalism.
The Legal Reality
There’s no federal law requiring single-member LLCs to get EINs. But practical business operations usually make it necessary. Banks want EINs. Vendors prefer them. And using your SSN on every business document isn’t great for identity protection.
How to Get an EIN — Step by Step
Getting an EIN is free and relatively straightforward when you go directly through the IRS. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before you start the application, collect these details about your LLC:
- Legal name of your LLC (exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization)
- LLC formation date
- State where you filed your LLC
- Your registered agent’s name and address
- Principal business activity (what your LLC actually does)
- Reason for applying (usually “Started new business”)
- Your name and title as the responsible party
- Number of employees you expect in the next 12 months
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
The IRS offers several ways to apply:
Online Application (Recommended)
- Available Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM ET
- Get your EIN immediately
- Only one EIN per day per responsible party
- Must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (SSN, ITIN, or existing EIN)
Phone Application
- Call 1-800-829-4933, Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM ET
- Get your EIN during the call
- Takes 15-30 minutes including wait time
Fax or Mail
- Submit Form SS-4
- Takes 2-5 weeks to process
- Only choose this if you can’t use online or phone options
Step 3: Complete the Online Application
Go to IRS.gov and search for “Apply for EIN Online.” Make sure you’re on the official IRS website — scam sites charge fees for this free service.
The application walks you through questions about your LLC:
1. Business Structure: Select “Limited Liability Company (LLC)”
2. Formation Details: Enter your LLC’s legal name and formation state
3. Responsible Party: This is usually you as the LLC owner
4. Business Details: Describe what your LLC does and where it operates
5. Employee Information: Enter your best estimate for the next 12 months
Answer honestly and completely. Mistakes can delay your application or create problems later.
Step 4: Submit and Receive Your EIN
After submitting your application, the IRS will display your EIN on screen. Print or save this confirmation immediately — it’s your official record.
The IRS will also mail you a confirmation letter (CP 575) within a few weeks. This letter serves as official documentation of your EIN.
Step 5: Start Using Your EIN
You can use your EIN immediately for:
- Opening business bank accounts
- Filing tax returns
- Applying for business licenses
- Setting up merchant accounts
- Any other business that requires a federal tax ID
How Your Entity Type Affects This
Different business structures have slightly different EIN requirements and considerations.
LLCs
Most straightforward EIN application. Single-member LLCs can choose how they want to be taxed, but this doesn’t affect the EIN application process.
S-Corporations
Must have an EIN before filing Form 2553 to elect S-Corp status. If you’re converting an existing LLC to S-Corp tax treatment, use your LLC’s existing EIN — don’t apply for a new one.
C-Corporations
Always need an EIN. No exceptions. Corporations are separate tax entities from day one, so the EIN requirement is absolute.
Common Mistakes by Entity Type
LLC Owners Often:
- Apply for multiple EINs when they only need one
- Forget to update their EIN application if they add members later
- Use their personal SSN for business banking when they already have an EIN
New Corporation Owners Often:
- Delay getting their EIN and can’t open business accounts
- Apply using their personal information instead of corporate information
- Mix up their state corporation number with their federal EIN
Tools, Costs & Tips
What It Actually Costs
Getting an EIN directly from the IRS is completely free. If someone charges you for an EIN, you’re dealing with a third-party service that’s marking up a free government service.
Free Tools You Need
- Internet connection and web browser
- Your LLC formation documents
- About 15 minutes of uninterrupted time
When to DIY vs. Hire Someone
DIY When:
- You have your LLC formation documents handy
- You can access the internet during IRS business hours
- Your LLC structure is straightforward
Consider Help When:
- You’re forming multiple entities simultaneously
- Your LLC has complex ownership structures
- You’re also handling other formation tasks like registered agent services, operating agreements, and state compliance
Pro Tips
Timing Matters: Apply for your EIN soon after forming your LLC, but make sure your state filing is complete first. Some states take a few days to process LLC formations.
Keep Records: Save your EIN confirmation in multiple places. You’ll need this number constantly, and the IRS confirmation letter can take weeks to arrive.
One EIN Per LLC: Don’t apply for multiple EINs for the same LLC, even if you have different business activities. One LLC equals one EIN.
Name Consistency: Use your LLC’s exact legal name on the EIN application. “ABC Company LLC” and “ABC Company, LLC” might seem the same to you, but they’re different to the IRS.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get an EIN for my LLC?
Online and phone applications give you an EIN immediately. Fax applications take about one week, and mail applications take 2-5 weeks. The online option is fastest and available Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM ET.
Can I get an EIN before my LLC is officially formed?
No. Your LLC must be legally formed in your state before you can get an EIN. The IRS application asks for your formation date and state, and they may verify this information.
What if I make a mistake on my EIN application?
Minor errors like typos in addresses can usually be corrected by calling the IRS. Major errors like wrong business structure or responsible party might require applying for a new EIN and closing the incorrect one. Double-check your application before submitting.
Do I need a new EIN if I add members to my single-member LLC?
No. Your LLC keeps the same EIN when you add members. However, adding members changes your tax classification from “disregarded entity” to “partnership,” so you’ll need to file different tax returns starting the year you add members.
Can I use my EIN immediately after getting it?
Yes. You can open bank accounts, apply for business credit, and handle other business tasks immediately after receiving your EIN. You don’t need to wait for the confirmation letter from the IRS.
What happens if I lose my EIN?
Your EIN never expires or changes, but if you lose the number, you can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 to retrieve it. Have your LLC information ready to verify your identity.
Getting Started with Your LLC
Getting an EIN is just one piece of running your LLC properly. Once you have your federal tax ID number, you can open business bank accounts, apply for necessary licenses, and start operating with full legal protection.
If you’re still in the formation stage, we handle the entire process from entity selection through EIN registration at BusinessFormations.com. We file your LLC with your state, help you get your EIN, set up your registered agent service, and provide ongoing compliance support to keep your business in good standing. Our step-by-step process takes the guesswork out of business formation so you can focus on building your company.
[Get started with your LLC formation](https://www.businessformations.com/get-started/) and we’ll walk you through each step, including EIN registration, to make sure everything is handled correctly from day one.
