How to Get an EIN for Your Business in 2026

An EIN application is one of the first things you handle after forming your business, and getting it right matters more than most people realize. The Employer Identification Number connects your business to every federal tax obligation, every bank account, and every payroll deposit you will ever make. A mistake on this nine-digit number creates problems that ripple across your entire operation.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the EIN application process: what an EIN is, who needs one, how to file for an EIN through every available method, and what to do once you have it. Whether you are forming an LLC, starting a corporation, or hiring your first employee, this is the complete walkthrough.

What Is an EIN and Why Your Business Needs One

An Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to identify your business for tax purposes. Think of it as a Social Security number for your company. The IRS uses your EIN to track your business tax filings, payroll deposits, and other financial activity tied to your entity.

The IRS EIN is formatted as XX-XXXXXXX, with two digits followed by a hyphen and seven more digits. Once assigned, your EIN stays with your business permanently. It does not expire, and you do not need to renew it. However, certain structural changes to your business, like converting from an LLC to a corporation, require a new EIN because the IRS treats the new structure as a separate entity.

Here is why your business needs an EIN:

• Tax filing: Your EIN is required on every federal tax return your business files. Without it, the IRS has no way to match your filings to your entity.
• Hiring employees: You cannot run payroll, withhold taxes, or issue W-2 forms without an EIN. The number is tied to your federal payroll tax deposits.
• Business bank accounts: Nearly every bank requires an EIN to open a business checking or savings account. Without a separate business account, you risk piercing the corporate veil and losing your personal liability protection.
• Business credit: Your EIN is the foundation for building business credit separate from your personal credit score. Lenders, suppliers, and credit bureaus use it to track your business credit history.
• Business licenses and permits: Many state and local license applications require an EIN. You may also need it for sales tax permits, professional licenses, and industry-specific registrations.
• Vendor and contractor payments: If your business pays independent contractors more than $600 in a year, you need an EIN to file 1099 forms with the IRS.

Even if your business structure does not technically require an EIN, having one protects your Social Security number from appearing on business documents, invoices, and tax forms. That alone makes the EIN application worth completing early in your formation process.

Who Needs to Apply for an EIN

Not every business entity is required to have an EIN, but the majority do. Understanding where your business falls determines whether you need to file for an EIN immediately or can wait until a triggering event occurs.

LLCs and Corporations

All corporations, whether C-corps or S-corps, must have an EIN. There are no exceptions. For LLCs, the rules depend on structure and activity. Multi-member LLCs always need an EIN because the IRS treats them as partnerships by default, requiring a partnership tax return. Single-member LLCs need an EIN if they have employees, file excise tax returns, or have elected to be taxed as a corporation. Even single-member LLCs without employees benefit from having an EIN for banking and liability separation purposes.

Partnerships and Multi-Member LLCs

Any business with more than one owner requires an EIN. The IRS requires partnerships to file Form 1065, which cannot be processed without an Employer Identification Number. This applies to general partnerships, limited partnerships, and multi-member LLCs that have not elected corporate tax treatment. If you and a business partner are forming an entity together, the EIN application should happen immediately after state approval.

Sole Proprietors with Employees

A sole proprietor operating alone without employees can use their personal Social Security number for tax purposes. The moment you hire your first employee, however, you must have an EIN. Payroll tax deposits, W-2 filings, and unemployment tax reporting all require the number. If you anticipate hiring within the next few months, completing the EIN registration ahead of time saves you from scrambling when you bring someone on board.

Estates and Trusts

Estates of deceased individuals and trusts that generate income require EINs for tax administration. The executor or trustee applies on behalf of the entity. This is separate from the deceased person's Social Security number and creates a distinct tax identity for the estate or trust.

Non-Profit Organizations

Non-profit organizations need an EIN before they can apply for tax-exempt status with the IRS. Form 1023 or 1023-EZ, which grants 501(c)(3) status, requires an EIN on the application. Starting the EIN filing process early prevents delays in your tax-exemption timeline.

Should You Get an EIN or Form Your LLC First

This is one of the most common questions new business owners ask, and the answer is straightforward: form your LLC first, then apply for your EIN. The sequence matters because the IRS requires your exact legal entity name as registered with your state. If your LLC has not been approved yet, you do not have a legal entity name to put on the EIN application.

Applying for an EIN before your LLC is formed leads to one of two problems. Either the application is rejected because the entity does not exist in state records, or the EIN is assigned to a name that does not match your final registration. Mismatched records between the IRS and your state create complications when opening bank accounts, filing taxes, and applying for licenses.

The correct order is:

• Step 1: File your LLC formation documents (Articles of Organization) with your state's Secretary of State
• Step 2: Receive state approval and your filed Articles of Organization
• Step 3: Apply for your EIN using the exact legal name on your formation documents

Next Step Filings bundles EIN filing with LLC formation services, handling both steps in the correct sequence with human verification at each stage. This ensures the name on your EIN matches your state registration exactly, preventing the downstream issues that come from mismatched records.

What Information You Need for the IRS EIN Application

Gathering your information before starting the EIN application online saves time and prevents errors. The IRS online system times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, and you cannot save your progress. Having everything ready before you begin means you can complete the entire process in one sitting.

Legal Name and Trade Name

Your legal business name must match your state registration exactly, character for character. If your Articles of Organization say "Johnson Marketing Solutions LLC," that is what goes on the EIN application form. Not "Johnson Marketing Solutions" without the LLC designation, and not "Johnson Marketing LLC." Exact match. A trade name, also called a DBA (doing business as), is optional and separate from your legal name. You can add it to the application if you have one, but it is not required.

Business Address

The IRS requires a U.S. street address for your principal business location. P.O. boxes are not accepted as the principal business address on the EIN application. If you operate from home, your home address works. If you prefer to keep your home address private, a registered agent address or virtual office address is an alternative. The address you provide here will appear on IRS correspondence and may be visible on certain public records.

Responsible Party Information

The "responsible party" is the individual who controls, manages, or directs the entity and the disposition of its funds and assets. For a single-member LLC, this is the owner. For a multi-member LLC, it is typically the managing member. The responsible party must be an individual person, not another business entity. You will need to provide their full legal name, Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and personal address.

Entity Type and Formation Date

The EIN application form asks you to select your entity type from a list that includes LLC, corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, trust, estate, and others. Selecting the wrong entity type is one of the most common EIN application mistakes. If you formed an LLC but select "sole proprietor" on the IRS form, it creates a tax filing mismatch that can take months to resolve. The formation date is the date your state approved your filing, not the date you submitted it.

Reason for Applying

The IRS asks why you are applying for an EIN. Common reasons include starting a new business, hiring employees, banking purposes, or compliance with IRS withholding requirements. Your answer here helps the IRS categorize your entity and may determine which tax forms are sent to you. Choose the option that most accurately describes your situation.

Here is a quick reference for everything you need before starting your EIN application:

• Legal business name: Exact match to your state registration (e.g., Smith Consulting LLC)
• Trade name (if different): Your DBA, if applicable (e.g., Smith and Co)
• Business address: U.S. street address, no P.O. boxes (e.g., 123 Main St, Richmond, VA 23220)
• Responsible party name and SSN/ITIN: The individual who controls the entity
• Entity type: LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.
• State and date of formation: As listed on your approved Articles of Organization
• Reason for applying: Started new business, hiring employees, banking, etc.

How to Apply for an EIN Online

The EIN application online is the fastest method and the one the IRS recommends for most U.S.-based applicants. It is available on the IRS website at no cost, and you receive your EIN immediately upon completion. No waiting, no processing delays. Here is the step-by-step process for online EIN filing.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility for Online EIN Filing

Before you start, verify that you meet the requirements for the online application. You must have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Your principal business must be located in the United States or U.S. territories. The IRS limits each responsible party to one EIN per day, so if you are forming multiple entities, plan to submit applications on separate days. The online system is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time.

Step 2: Gather Your Business Information

Reference the checklist from the previous section and have all documents ready before you begin. Pull up your approved Articles of Organization so you can copy your legal name exactly. Have the responsible party's SSN or ITIN accessible. Know your entity type, formation date, and the reason you are applying. Preparation here is what makes the difference between a five-minute process and a frustrating session that times out.

Step 3: Complete the IRS EIN Application

Navigate to the IRS EIN Assistant on irs.gov and begin the application. The system walks you through a series of questions about your entity type, responsible party, and business details. Answer each question carefully. The online form session times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, and there is no way to save your progress and return later. If the session expires, you start over from the beginning.

Pay particular attention to entity type selection. The system's terminology does not always align with common business language. For example, if you formed an LLC taxed as a partnership, you select "Limited Liability Company" and then indicate how many members it has. The system determines tax treatment based on your answers.

Step 4: Review and Submit Your Application

Before submitting, review every field on the summary screen. Check your legal name character by character against your state registration. Verify the responsible party's SSN. Confirm the entity type and formation date. Errors at this stage are not always easy to fix after submission. Some mistakes require calling the IRS directly, and others may require submitting an entirely new application.

Step 5: Save Your EIN Confirmation Letter

Upon successful submission, you receive your EIN immediately. The system displays your EIN confirmation notice, also known as the CP 575 letter. Download this document and save it in multiple locations: your computer, a cloud backup, and a printed copy in your business records. The IRS will mail a paper copy to your business address, but that can take four to six weeks. The online version is your official record and is sufficient for opening bank accounts and filing taxes.

Do not lose this confirmation. While you can retrieve your EIN through other means, getting a replacement CP 575 letter requires contacting the IRS directly, which can involve extended hold times.

How to File for an EIN by Mail, Fax, or Phone

The online EIN application works for most people, but alternative methods exist for those who cannot use the online system or prefer paper filing. Each of these methods uses IRS Form SS-4, the official EIN application form, which you can download from the IRS website.

Fax Application Using Form SS-4

Complete Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS fax number designated for your state. You can find the correct fax number in the Form SS-4 instructions or on the IRS website. Processing takes approximately four business days. The IRS will fax your EIN back to the number you provide on the form. Make sure your fax number is correct and that the machine is operational, as the IRS will not follow up by other methods if the return fax fails.

Mail Application Using Form SS-4

Complete Form SS-4 and mail it to the IRS address listed in the form instructions for your state. Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the IRS receives your application. Use certified mail with return receipt requested so you have proof of delivery and can track when the IRS receives your form. The IRS will mail your EIN confirmation to the address on the application.

Mail is the slowest method but works for applicants who prefer a paper trail or are uncomfortable with electronic filing. Keep in mind that four to six weeks without an EIN means you cannot open a business bank account, run payroll, or complete other tasks that require the number during that waiting period.

Phone Application for International Applicants

The phone application method is only available for applicants who do not have a U.S. address or Social Security Number. Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number). The line is available Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time. An IRS representative will walk you through the application and assign your EIN during the call. You must be authorized to receive the EIN for the entity you are applying for.

Here is a comparison of all four EIN registration methods:

• Online: Immediate processing, best for U.S.-based applicants with SSN or ITIN
• Fax: Approximately 4 business days, suitable for those who cannot apply online
• Mail: 4 to 6 weeks processing, best for those who prefer paper records
• Phone: Same-day processing, available only to international applicants

How Long Does EIN Registration Take

Processing time depends entirely on the method you choose. Online EIN applications produce an immediate result. You walk away with your number the same session you apply. Fax applications take about four business days. Mail applications take four to six weeks.

However, there is an important nuance that many guides skip: while your EIN is assigned immediately through the online system, it can take up to two weeks for the number to fully propagate through all IRS systems. During this window, some third-party verifications may fail. For example, certain banks run EIN verification through IRS databases, and if the number has not fully registered, the bank may flag it as invalid. This does not mean your EIN is wrong. It means the IRS system has not updated yet.

If you run into this situation, wait a few business days and try again. The number will verify once the IRS systems catch up. This is particularly relevant if you plan to open a business bank account the same day you receive your EIN.

What to Do After You Receive Your EIN

Getting your EIN is a critical milestone, but it is not the finish line. Several immediate next steps keep your business compliant and operational. Completing these tasks in the first few weeks after receiving your EIN sets a strong foundation for your business.

Open a Business Bank Account

A separate business bank account is essential for maintaining the liability protection your LLC or corporation provides. Mixing personal and business funds is one of the fastest ways to pierce the corporate veil, which means a court could hold you personally liable for business debts. Banks typically require your EIN confirmation letter, Articles of Organization, and a government-issued ID to open the account. Some banks also require your operating agreement.

Shop around for an account that fits your business needs. Look at monthly fees, transaction limits, and integration with accounting software. Many banks offer free business checking for new LLCs, especially in the first year.

File Your BOI Report with FinCEN

The Beneficial Ownership Information report is a federal requirement for most LLCs and corporations. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) requires companies to report their beneficial owners, meaning the individuals who own or control the entity. For businesses formed in 2024 or later, the initial BOI report is due within a specific timeframe of formation. Penalties for noncompliance are significant, including daily fines and potential criminal penalties. Check the current FinCEN requirements for exact deadlines based on when your entity was formed.

Apply for Business Licenses and Permits

Your EIN is often required on state and local license applications. Depending on your industry and location, you may need a general business license, professional license, sales tax permit, or industry-specific permits. Check with your city, county, and state business licensing offices to determine which permits apply to your operation. Some licenses must be in place before you start conducting business.

Set Up Payroll if You Have Employees

If hiring is one of the reasons you applied for your EIN, setting up payroll is an immediate priority. Your EIN is required for federal payroll tax deposits, W-2 filings, and state unemployment tax registration. Most payroll providers need your EIN to create your account and begin processing. Delays in payroll setup can result in late tax deposits, which carry penalties from the IRS.

Schedule Your Annual Compliance Filings

Most states require ongoing filings to keep your business in good standing. Annual reports, franchise tax payments, and registered agent renewals all have specific deadlines that vary by state. Missing these deadlines triggers late fees, loss of good standing, and eventually administrative dissolution of your entity.

Next Step Filings tracks these deadlines and handles annual LLC renewals so compliance obligations do not sneak up on you. Their system sends reminders before due dates and manages the filing process, keeping your entity in good standing year after year.

Common IRS EIN Application Mistakes to Avoid

Errors on your EIN application create problems that extend well beyond a simple delay. A wrong entity type can trigger incorrect tax forms from the IRS. A mismatched name makes it impossible to open bank accounts. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Applying Before Your LLC Is Approved

The IRS cannot assign an EIN to an entity that does not exist in state records. If you apply before your LLC formation is approved, the EIN may be assigned to a name that does not match your final registration, or the application may be rejected outright. Wait until you have your approved Articles of Organization in hand before starting the EIN application.

Using a Personal Address Instead of a Business Address

While the IRS accepts a home address on the EIN application, be aware that this address becomes part of your business's public tax record. Once filed, changing the address requires submitting IRS Form 8822-B. If privacy is important to you, consider using a registered agent address or virtual business address from the start. It is easier to file correctly the first time than to update it later.

Selecting the Wrong Entity Type

This is one of the most damaging mistakes you can make on an EIN application. Selecting "sole proprietor" when you formed an LLC tells the IRS to expect individual tax filings instead of business returns. The mismatch triggers notices, potential penalties, and requires contacting the IRS to correct the classification. If you formed an LLC, select LLC. If you formed a corporation, select corporation. Match the entity type to your state formation documents.

Entering Incorrect Responsible Party Information

The responsible party's name and SSN must match IRS records exactly. A typo in the Social Security Number will cause the application to be rejected online or delayed through other methods. The responsible party must also be an individual person, not a business entity. You cannot list your LLC as the responsible party for its own EIN.

Exceeding the Daily Application Limit

The IRS limits each responsible party to one EIN per day through the online system. If you are forming multiple entities, such as a holding company and an operating company, you need to apply on separate days. Attempting a second application on the same day will be rejected. Plan your filing schedule accordingly if you have multiple entities to register.

Not Saving the Confirmation Letter

The CP 575 confirmation notice is your official proof of EIN assignment. If you close the browser window before downloading it, you will need to contact the IRS to get a replacement, which can involve significant wait times. Always download, print, and store your confirmation in multiple locations immediately after receiving it.

Get Your EIN Filed Correctly the First Time

The IRS EIN application is free, and the online process is straightforward when you have the right information prepared. But mistakes cost more than just time. A wrong entity type, mismatched name, or incorrect SSN creates problems that affect your banking, tax filing, and business operations for months.

Next Step Filings handles EIN applications with human verification before submission, bundled with LLC formation services. Every application is reviewed against your state registration documents to ensure names, entity types, and formation dates match before anything goes to the IRS. This verification step catches the errors that cause the most common downstream problems.

For business owners who want their formation and EIN filing handled correctly from the start, with ongoing compliance support after, Next Step Filings provides the full package with transparent pricing and human oversight at every step.

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

By Lisa Matthews, General Manager and Business Compliance Advisor at Next Step Filings.

Frequently Asked Questions About EIN Applications

Can I apply for an EIN if I am not a United States citizen?

Yes, non-citizens can apply for an EIN. If you have a valid ITIN or SSN, you can use the online application or submit Form SS-4 by fax or mail. If you do not have either number, you must apply by phone by calling the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 267-941-1099. A representative will process your application during the call and assign your EIN the same day.

How much does an EIN application cost through the IRS?

The IRS does not charge any fee to apply for an EIN. The application is completely free regardless of which method you use: online, fax, mail, or phone. Any website charging a fee specifically for EIN applications is a third-party service, not the IRS. Be cautious of sites that mimic the IRS website and charge for what is otherwise a free filing.

Can I get an EIN for a business that has not been formed yet?

No. You must form your LLC or corporation with your state before applying for an EIN. The IRS requires your exact legal entity name as registered with the state, and if the entity does not exist yet, the EIN will either be rejected or assigned incorrectly. Complete your state formation first, receive your approved Articles of Organization, and then file for your EIN.

What is the difference between an EIN and a tax ID number?

"Tax ID number" is a general term that covers several types of identification numbers used for tax purposes. An EIN is one type of tax ID, specifically assigned to business entities. Social Security Numbers and Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers are tax IDs assigned to individuals. When someone asks for your business's "tax ID," they are almost always asking for your EIN.

How do I find my EIN if I lost the confirmation letter?

You have several options. Check previously filed tax returns, as your EIN appears on every return you filed. Look at bank account opening documents, since your bank recorded your EIN when you opened the account. You can also call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933, though expect potentially long hold times. Next Step Filings maintains records of all EIN filings for its clients, so if your EIN was obtained through their service, you can retrieve it directly.

Do I need a new EIN if I change my LLC to a corporation?

Yes. Converting your business structure from an LLC to a corporation typically requires a new EIN. The IRS considers the new structure a separate entity for tax purposes, even if the business name and operations remain the same. The same applies if you convert from a sole proprietorship to an LLC or from a partnership to a corporation. Your old EIN stays associated with the old entity structure.

Can a registered agent apply for an EIN on my behalf?

Yes, a third party can apply for an EIN on your behalf. They must complete IRS Form SS-4 and be designated as a third-party designee on the application. The responsible party's information, including their SSN or ITIN, is still required on the form. Professional filing services like Next Step Filings handle this as part of their formation packages, submitting the EIN application with proper authorization and human verification before it goes to the IRS.