How to Get an EIN: A Simple 2026 Guide for Your Business

Learning how to get an EIN takes about 15 minutes, and the best part is it costs nothing. The IRS hands out Employer Identification Numbers for free on its own website. This guide walks you through the whole process in plain English, so you can get it done right the first time.

What Is an EIN?

An EIN is a nine-digit number the IRS gives to your business. Think of it as a Social Security number for your company. Instead of using your personal SSN on business paperwork, you use the EIN.

The IRS uses it to track your business tax filings and payroll reports. You will see it asked for on tax forms, bank applications, and hiring paperwork. People also call it a “federal tax ID number” or “tax ID number” — it is all the same thing.

Do You Actually Need an EIN?

Not every business needs one, but most do. Here is a quick test:

You probably need an EIN if you:

• Plan to hire employees
• Run a corporation or a partnership
• Operate an LLC with more than one member
• File employment or excise tax returns
• Want to open a business bank account (most banks ask for one)
• Need business licenses or want to build business credit

You may not need one if you:

• Are a sole proprietor with no employees and no plans to hire

Even then, many solo owners get an EIN anyway. It keeps your personal SSN off invoices and vendor paperwork, which is a smart privacy move. There is no cost and no downside, so getting one “just in case” is perfectly normal.

What You’ll Need Before You Apply

The online application cannot be saved halfway through. It times out after 15 minutes of sitting idle, so have everything ready before you start:

• Your business entity formed with the state. If you are setting up an LLC or corporation, register it with your Secretary of State first. Applying before your entity is officially approved can delay or block your application. If you haven’t formed yours yet, our guide on how to form an LLC covers that step first.
• Your legal business name. Copy it exactly from your state formation documents. The IRS only accepts letters, numbers, hyphens, and ampersands in business names.
• The responsible party’s SSN or ITIN. The responsible party is the real person who controls the business — usually the owner. Their name has to match IRS records exactly.
• A physical business address. The street address field does not accept P.O. boxes.
• Your entity type. Sole proprietor, LLC, corporation, partnership, nonprofit, estate, or trust. If you are an LLC, also know how many members it has.
• The date the business started or was acquired.
• A short description of what the business does.

How to Get an EIN Online: Step by Step

Applying online through the IRS is the fastest way. You get your EIN at the end of the same session. Here is how it goes:

Step 1: Apply during the right hours

The IRS online tool runs on Eastern Time:

• Monday through Friday: 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 6:00 p.m. to midnight

Outside those hours the tool is closed, so plan one uninterrupted session inside them. To use the online tool, your business must be in the U.S. (or a U.S. territory) and the responsible party needs a valid SSN or ITIN.

Step 2: Go to the official IRS site

Start at the IRS and find the EIN application page — this is the only official, free application. Watch the domain closely. If the web address does not end in .gov, you are on the wrong site. You can apply free on the IRS website without paying anyone a cent.

Step 3: Answer the interview questions

The tool walks you through a series of screens. You will pick your legal structure, choose your reason for applying (starting a new business is the usual one), and enter your business details and the responsible party’s information. One tip: if your LLC chose S corp taxation, still select LLC here — the S corp election is a separate filing and does not happen inside this application.

Step 4: Review everything on the summary screen

Read every field before you hit submit. A wrong digit in the SSN or a misspelled business name creates real headaches later. Take a full minute here — it is worth it.

Step 5: Save your EIN confirmation right away

When the application is approved, your nine-digit EIN appears on screen along with a confirmation notice called the CP 575. Download and print it immediately. The IRS shows it to you once at the end of the session. Store the letter with your business formation documents — banks and lenders often ask to see it.

Two limits worth knowing: the IRS issues only one EIN per responsible party per day, and the session dies after 15 minutes of inactivity, so do not leave it sitting.

Other Ways to Apply for an EIN

Online works for most people, but you have other free options:

If your business has no legal residence, office, or presence in the U.S., you cannot use the online tool. Instead, you can call 267-941-1099 (not toll-free), Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern, or fax or mail Form SS-4. International applicants mail to Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.

Use only one method per business. Applying through two channels can create duplicate records and confusion.

What Happens After You Get Your EIN

Your EIN is active immediately. A few things to do next:

• Open a business bank account to keep personal and business money separate.
• Update your paperwork. Put the new number on invoices, contracts, and W-9 forms you give to clients.
• Wait about two weeks before e-filing or making electronic tax deposits. The number needs time to go fully live in IRS systems.
• File Form 8822-B if details change. If your business address, name, or responsible party changes, tell the IRS. Changes to the responsible party must be reported within 60 days.
• Know when you need a new EIN. Changing your business structure or ownership generally means getting a new one — for example, going from a sole proprietorship to a corporation. The IRS guide to employer identification numbers explains the specific cases.

If you are launching on a tight budget, our practical guide to starting a business with no money can help you plan what comes next.

EIN Scams: Never Pay for an EIN

Here is the warning every new business owner needs: the IRS never charges for an EIN. Any website asking $50 to $319 to “file for you” is a third-party service selling something free.

These look-alike sites are everywhere. Many buy Google ads, use flags and seals, and put words like “federal” in their names to look official. Some exist just to collect your personal and business information — including your Social Security number. That is information you should only give to the IRS itself.

Rule of thumb: if the URL does not end in .gov, close the tab and go straight to the IRS.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying twice. One EIN per business. If you already applied, do not apply again — that creates duplicate records. Search for your lost EIN instead (see the FAQ below).
• Applying before your state approves the entity. The IRS checks your state filing. Wait for approval, not just the payment receipt.
• Using a DBA instead of the legal name. The IRS wants the exact legal name from your formation documents, not your trade name.
• Naming the wrong responsible party. It must be a real person who actually controls the business — not a hired nominee or your accountant.
• Closing the window before saving. The confirmation number appears once. Download the CP 575 letter before you leave the page.
• Starting without your documents ready. The session times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, and you cannot save your progress.

EIN vs SSN: What’s the Difference?

An EIN does not replace your SSN. You still use your SSN for personal taxes. The EIN is just the business’s own number for business taxes, payroll, and banking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get an EIN?

Nothing. The IRS issues EINs for free, and it takes about 15 minutes to apply online. Never pay a third-party website for one — they are charging you for a free government form.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Online applications give you the EIN at the end of the same session, in minutes. Fax takes about four business days, and mail takes about four weeks.

Do I need an EIN for my LLC?

Multi-member LLCs generally do, because they are treated as partnerships for tax purposes. Single-member LLCs with no employees are not strictly required to have one, but most banks will ask for it, and many owners get one to keep their SSN private.

Can I use my SSN instead of an EIN?

In some cases, yes — a sole proprietor with no employees can use their SSN for federal tax purposes. But the moment you hire employees, form a corporation or partnership, or need a business bank account, you need an EIN.

What if I lose my EIN confirmation letter?

First, check old business tax returns, bank account applications, or payroll paperwork — the number usually appears on those. If you still cannot find it, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933 and verify your identity to get the number and request a Letter 147C, which serves as official proof.

Last updated: October 2026