How to Get an EIN (Tax ID Number)

What is an EIN?

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is like a Social Security number for your business. The IRS uses it to identify your business for tax purposes. You need one to:

• Open a business bank account
• Hire employees
• File business tax returns
• Apply for business licenses

Almost every LLC, corporation, and partnership needs an EIN. Sole proprietors need one if they have employees or want to keep their SSN off business documents.

What you need before you start

• Your business name (as filed with the state)
• Your state of formation
• Your business address
• The responsible party's SSN or ITIN (usually the LLC member or corporate officer)
• Your business type (LLC, corporation, etc.)

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Go to the IRS EIN application

Visit irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number and click "Apply for an EIN."

Available Mon-Fri 6am-1am ET, Sat 6am-9pm ET, Sun 6pm-12am ET.

Step 2: Select your entity type

Choose the type of business you're applying for. For most people this is either:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC) — if you filed Articles of Organization
• Corporation — if you filed Articles of Incorporation
• Sole Proprietor — if you didn't file anything with the state

Step 3: Answer questions about your business

The IRS will ask you a series of questions about your business. There are 6 steps total:

1. Legal Structure — select your entity type
2. Identity — enter the responsible party's name and SSN
3. Addresses — your business address and mailing address
4. Additional Details — why you need an EIN, number of employees, business start date
5. Review & Submit — confirm everything is correct
6. EIN Assignment — your EIN is issued immediately

Step 4: Print your confirmation

Once approved (which is immediate for online applications), you'll see your EIN on screen. Print or save this page immediately — the IRS will also mail a confirmation letter, but the on-screen confirmation is your fastest proof.

Important notes

• You can only apply for one EIN per responsible party per day
• The session expires after 15 minutes of inactivity — have your info ready
• You cannot save and return — complete it in one session
• If you're a third-party applying on someone else's behalf, you need signed authorization

That's it

Ten minutes. Free. Your EIN is issued immediately.

If you'd rather not deal with it, our $89 formation bundle includes EIN filing along with the state formation and your first year of Registered Agent. Standalone EIN filing is $29. But now you know — it's 10 minutes and free if you want to do it yourself.