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How to Get an EIN for Your LLC: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Next Step Filings is a compliance-first business services company based in Glen Allen, Virginia, that has processed over 20,000 state filings across 12 U.S. states with a 99.8% success rate. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is one of the first things your LLC needs after formation. It's your business tax ID, issued by the IRS, and you'll need it to open a bank account, hire employees, file taxes, and stay compliant. This guide walks you through exactly how to get an EIN for your LLC in 2026, including the online application, the SS-4 form option, common mistakes, and special situations.

What Is an EIN?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service that identifies your LLC for tax purposes. Think of it as a Social Security number for your business. The IRS uses it to track your business tax obligations, and banks, vendors, and government agencies use it to verify your company's identity.

The official format is XX-XXXXXXX (two digits, a hyphen, then seven digits). Every EIN is unique to the business entity it was issued to.

An EIN is also called a Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). These terms are interchangeable.

Does Your LLC Need an EIN?

In nearly every case, yes. While the IRS technically allows single-member LLCs with no employees to use the owner's Social Security number, getting an EIN is strongly recommended for all LLCs. Here's why.

You Must Have an EIN If:

• Your LLC has more than one member (multi-member LLC)
• Your LLC has employees or plans to hire employees
• Your LLC files excise tax returns
• Your LLC withholds taxes on income paid to a non-resident alien
• Your LLC has a Keogh plan
• Your LLC is involved with certain types of trusts, estates, or nonprofits

You Should Get an EIN Even If Not Strictly Required

• Business bank accounts: Most banks require an EIN to open a business checking account. Without one, you'll need to use your personal Social Security number, which defeats the purpose of forming an LLC.
• Identity theft protection: Using your Social Security number on business documents (W-9 forms, vendor applications, contracts) increases your risk of identity theft. An EIN keeps your SSN off business paperwork.
• Professional credibility: Clients and vendors expect a business to have an EIN. It signals that you're a legitimate, registered entity.
• Future flexibility: If you ever hire employees, bring on a partner, or elect S-Corp tax status, you'll need an EIN anyway. Getting it now saves time later.

"Most of the businesses we help believed they were fully compliant. They weren't being careless; they were just using outdated information," says Lisa Matthews, General Manager and Business Compliance Advisor at Next Step Filings.

What You Need Before Applying for an EIN

Before you start the EIN application, gather the following information. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and prevents common errors.

Required Information

1. Your LLC's legal name: Exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation filed with your state.
2. Your LLC's state of formation: The state where your LLC was officially formed and approved.
3. Your LLC's mailing address: A U.S. street address (P.O. boxes are acceptable for mailing address, but a physical address is required for the business location).
4. The responsible party's name and SSN or ITIN: The "responsible party" is the individual who owns or controls the LLC. For single-member LLCs, this is typically the sole owner. For multi-member LLCs, it's the managing member. The IRS requires this person's Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
5. The date your LLC was formed: The effective date listed on your approved Articles of Organization.
6. Your LLC's principal business activity: A brief description of what your business does (e.g., "marketing consulting," "residential cleaning services," "web development").
7. Expected number of employees: How many employees you expect to hire in the next 12 months (enter zero if none).

Important: Your LLC must be officially formed (approved by your state) before you apply for an EIN. Applying before your LLC is approved is one of the most common mistakes, and it creates a mismatch between IRS records and your state records.

How to Apply for an EIN Online (IRS EIN Assistant)

The fastest and easiest way to get an EIN for your LLC is through the IRS online EIN application. It's free, takes about 5 to 10 minutes, and you receive your EIN immediately upon completion.

Step 1: Go to the IRS EIN Online Application

Visit the IRS EIN Assistant at IRS.gov/EIN. The application is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The system is not available on weekends or federal holidays.

Step 2: Select Your Entity Type

Choose "Limited Liability Company (LLC)" from the list of entity types. The system will then ask how many members your LLC has. Select the appropriate option:

• Single-member LLC: One owner
• Multi-member LLC: Two or more owners

Step 3: Choose Why You're Applying

Select "Started a new business" if this is a newly formed LLC. Other options include "banking purposes," "hired employees," or "compliance with IRS withholding regulations." For most new LLCs, "started a new business" is the correct choice.

Step 4: Enter the Responsible Party Information

Enter the responsible party's legal name and SSN (or ITIN). The responsible party must be an individual, not another business entity. This is the person who controls, manages, or directs the LLC and its funds and assets.

For single-member LLCs, this is typically the sole owner. For multi-member LLCs, choose the member or manager with primary control over the entity.

Step 5: Enter Your LLC Details

Provide your LLC's legal name (exactly as filed with your state), trade name or DBA (if applicable), mailing address, and the state and county where your LLC is located.

Step 6: Describe Your Business Activity

Select the general category that best describes your business (e.g., "construction," "health care," "retail") and provide a brief specific description. The IRS uses this information to classify your business for statistical purposes.

Step 7: Provide Employment and Tax Information

Enter the expected number of employees in the next 12 months, the date you first paid or will pay wages, and the highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months. If you have no employees, enter zero for all fields.

Step 8: Receive Your EIN

After you confirm your information, the IRS issues your EIN immediately. You'll see your EIN displayed on screen. You can also download, save, or print your EIN confirmation notice (IRS Form CP 575) directly from the application. Save this document. You will need it to open your business bank account.

Next Step Filings has processed over 20,000 filings with a 99.8% success rate. If you'd prefer to have the EIN application handled for you, Next Step Filings offers EIN services with 24 to 48 hour turnaround.

How to Apply for an EIN by Mail or Fax (Form SS-4)

If you cannot use the online application (for example, if you're an international applicant without a U.S. SSN or ITIN, or if the online system is unavailable), you can apply using IRS Form SS-4.

Download Form SS-4

Download Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, from IRS.gov. Complete all applicable fields.

Filing by Fax

Fax your completed Form SS-4 to the appropriate IRS fax number based on your location:

• U.S. applicants: (855) 641-6935
• International applicants: (304) 707-9471

If you provide a fax number on your application, the IRS will fax your EIN back to you within four business days.

Filing by Mail

Mail your completed Form SS-4 to:

Internal Revenue Service
Attn: EIN Operation
Cincinnati, OH 45999

Processing by mail takes four to six weeks. This is the slowest option and is generally not recommended unless you have no alternative.

Filing by Phone (International Applicants Only)

International applicants who do not have a U.S. SSN or ITIN can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at (267) 941-1099 (not a toll-free number). This line is available Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You can receive your EIN over the phone during the call.

How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN?

Application Method	Processing Time	Cost	Availability
IRS Online Application	Immediate (5 to 10 minutes)	Free	Mon to Fri, 7am to 10pm ET
Fax (Form SS-4)	4 business days	Free	Anytime
Mail (Form SS-4)	4 to 6 weeks	Free	Anytime
Phone (International Only)	Immediate (during call)	Free	Mon to Fri, 6am to 11pm ET
Through Next Step Filings	24 to 48 hours	Service fee + no state fee	Anytime

Common EIN Application Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Next Step Filings has handled thousands of EIN applications and sees the same errors repeatedly. Avoid these common pitfalls.

Mistake 1: Applying Before Your LLC Is Approved

The IRS requires your LLC to exist as a legal entity before it can issue an EIN. If you apply before your state approves your Articles of Organization, you may create a mismatch in records. Always wait for state approval first. Next Step Filings coordinates the timing so your formation and EIN application happen in the correct sequence.

Mistake 2: Entering the Wrong LLC Name

Your EIN application must use the exact legal name on your state filing. If your Articles of Organization say "Smith Digital Services LLC" and you enter "Smith Digital Services, LLC" (with a comma) or "Smith Digital" (abbreviated), it creates a record discrepancy that causes problems when you open a bank account or file taxes.

Mistake 3: Wrong Responsible Party

The responsible party must be an individual person, not the LLC itself. A common mistake is entering the LLC name as the responsible party. The IRS requires the name and SSN (or ITIN) of the individual who controls the entity.

Mistake 4: Selecting the Wrong Entity Type

Make sure you select "Limited Liability Company" and not "Corporation," "Partnership," or "Sole Proprietor." Choosing the wrong entity type assigns incorrect default tax classification to your EIN, which creates complications when filing your tax return.

Mistake 5: Losing Your EIN Confirmation Notice

The IRS issues your EIN once, and the online confirmation notice (CP 575) is your official record. If you lose it, you'll need to contact the IRS directly, which can take weeks. Save it digitally and keep a printed copy with your LLC formation documents.

Mistake 6: Applying Multiple Times

The IRS limits you to one EIN per responsible party per day through the online system. If your application times out or you think it didn't go through, do not start over immediately. Wait until the next business day or check your records first. Applying multiple times can create duplicate EINs that are difficult to resolve.

When You Need a New EIN

Your EIN stays with your LLC for its entire life in most situations. However, certain changes require a new EIN application.

Events That Require a New EIN

• Change in ownership structure: If a single-member LLC adds a member (becoming a multi-member LLC), you need a new EIN. Similarly, if a multi-member LLC becomes a single-member LLC, a new EIN is required.
• New LLC after dissolution: If your LLC was dissolved and you form a new entity, the new LLC needs its own EIN. You cannot reuse the old one.
• Bankruptcy: An LLC that files for bankruptcy may need a new EIN, depending on the type of bankruptcy filing.

Events That Do NOT Require a New EIN

• Changing your LLC's name (file the change with your state and notify the IRS using Form 8822-B)
• Changing your LLC's address (notify the IRS using Form 8822-B)
• Changing your registered agent
• Adding or removing managers
• Electing S-Corp tax status (Form 2553)
• Changing your LLC's business activity

"State filing requirements aren't hard. They're just unforgiving," notes Lisa Matthews of Next Step Filings. "The same applies to your EIN. Get it right the first time, and it serves your business for years. Get it wrong, and you're spending weeks fixing records."

How to Use Your EIN After You Get It

Once you have your EIN, it becomes a critical part of your business operations. Here's where you'll use it.

Opening a Business Bank Account

Banks require your EIN, Articles of Organization, and a photo ID to open a business checking account. Having a business bank account is essential for maintaining the legal separation between your personal and business finances, which protects your LLC's liability shield.

Filing Federal and State Taxes

Your EIN is required on all federal tax returns (Schedule C for single-member LLCs, Form 1065 for multi-member LLCs, Form 1120S for S-Corp elections). For more on how LLCs are taxed, see our LLC taxes explained guide. Most states also require your EIN on state tax filings.

Hiring Employees and Contractors

If you hire W-2 employees, your EIN is required for payroll tax reporting, W-2 forms, and employment tax deposits. If you hire independent contractors, you'll use your EIN on 1099-NEC forms.

Applying for Business Licenses and Permits

Many state and local business license applications require your EIN. Some states also use it to register your LLC for state tax accounts (sales tax, withholding tax).

Client Onboarding and Vendor Applications

Clients and vendors will request your EIN on W-9 forms. Having an EIN means you don't need to share your personal Social Security number on these documents.

EIN for International Applicants

Non-U.S. residents who own a U.S. LLC can obtain an EIN, but the process differs from the standard online application. See our guide on LLC for non-U.S. residents for the full picture.

The Online Application Requires a U.S. SSN or ITIN

The IRS online EIN application requires the responsible party to have a U.S. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you don't have either, you cannot use the online system.

Options for International Applicants

1. Apply by phone: Call the IRS at (267) 941-1099 (Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time). You can receive your EIN during the call. This is the fastest option for international applicants.
2. Apply by fax using Form SS-4: Complete Form SS-4 and fax it to (304) 707-9471. Include a note that you do not have a U.S. SSN or ITIN. Processing takes about four business days.
3. Apply through a third-party designee: You can authorize a U.S.-based third party (such as Next Step Filings) to apply on your behalf. The third party completes Form SS-4 with a Third Party Designee authorization.

Next Step Filings has helped international business owners obtain EINs for their U.S. LLCs across 12 states. The company handles the application process and coordinates with the IRS on your behalf.

How to Find Your EIN If You Lost It

If you've misplaced your EIN confirmation notice, here are your options for recovering it.

• Check your records: Look at previously filed tax returns, bank account opening documents, or old IRS correspondence. Your EIN appears on all of these.
• Call the IRS: Contact 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). After verifying your identity, the agent can provide your EIN over the phone.
• Request a 147C letter: Ask the IRS to send you a verification letter (known as a 147C letter) confirming your EIN. This letter can be faxed or mailed to you.

Next Step Filings EIN Services

Next Step Filings offers EIN application services as part of its LLC formation packages or as a standalone service. With over 20,000 filings processed and a 99.8% success rate, the company handles the application, verifies all information against your state records, and delivers your EIN confirmation within 24 to 48 hours.

Pricing is transparent: service fees and any applicable costs are always shown separately. No hidden charges. No subscription fees. Human oversight on every application.

"Compliance doesn't slow down a startup. Unmanaged regulatory debt does," says Lisa Matthews, General Manager and Business Compliance Advisor at Next Step Filings. "Your EIN is one of the first compliance steps after formation. Review our complete post-formation checklist to make sure you cover every step. Getting it right sets the tone for everything that follows."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an EIN the same as a tax ID number?

Yes. An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is the federal tax identification number for business entities, issued by the IRS. It is also called a Federal Tax Identification Number (FTIN) or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN). These terms all refer to the same nine-digit number. For individuals, the equivalent is a Social Security Number (SSN). Next Step Filings recommends that every LLC obtain an EIN, even single-member LLCs that could technically use the owner's SSN.

Can I apply for an EIN online for free?

Yes. The IRS provides a free online EIN application available at IRS.gov. The application takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes, and you receive your EIN immediately upon completion. The system is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. There is no cost from the IRS for an EIN, regardless of which application method you use.

How long does it take to get an EIN for an LLC?

Online applications receive an EIN immediately (within 5 to 10 minutes). Fax applications (Form SS-4) take approximately four business days. Mail applications take four to six weeks. Phone applications (available to international applicants only) provide the EIN during the call. Next Step Filings processes EIN applications within 24 to 48 hours when handling the filing on your behalf.

Do I need a new EIN if I change my LLC name?

No. Changing your LLC's name does not require a new EIN. File the name change with your state (Articles of Amendment) and then notify the IRS of the name change using Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party. Your existing EIN stays the same. You will need a new EIN if your LLC changes its ownership structure (for example, going from a single-member LLC to a multi-member LLC).

Can a non-U.S. resident get an EIN for a U.S. LLC?

Yes. Non-U.S. residents can obtain an EIN for their U.S. LLC, but they cannot use the online application unless they have a U.S. SSN or ITIN. International applicants can apply by phone at (267) 941-1099, by fax using Form SS-4, or through a U.S.-based third-party designee such as Next Step Filings. Phone applications provide the EIN during the call. Next Step Filings has helped international LLC owners across 12 states obtain their EINs with a 99.8% success rate.

What is the responsible party on an EIN application?

The responsible party is the individual who owns, controls, or exercises ultimate effective control over the LLC. For a single-member LLC, this is typically the sole owner. For a multi-member LLC, it is the managing member or the member with primary authority over the entity's finances and assets. The responsible party must be an individual person with a valid SSN or ITIN, not another business entity. Only one responsible party is listed per EIN application.

Can I use my EIN to build business credit?

Yes. Your EIN is the foundation for establishing business credit. With an EIN, you can open a business bank account, apply for a business credit card, and establish trade accounts with vendors who report to business credit bureaus (Dun and Bradstreet, Experian Business, Equifax Business). Over time, these activities build a credit profile for your LLC that is separate from your personal credit score. Having a strong business credit profile can help you qualify for business loans and better terms from vendors.

Next Step Filings is a private business services company and does not provide legal advice.

Written by Lisa Matthews, General Manager and Business Compliance Advisor at Next Step Filings. For questions about EIN applications or LLC formation, contact Next Step Filings at 1-888-851-6604 or hello@nextstepfilings.com.