Learn how to get an EIN for free in 2026. Step-by-step IRS online application guide for LLCs, freelancers & small businesses. Takes 10 minutes — always free.
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Table of Contents
- What Is an EIN and Why Do You Need One?
- Is an EIN Really Free? (Yes — Always)
- Who Needs an EIN?
- What You Need Before Applying
- How to Apply for an EIN Online: Step-by-Step
- How to Apply by Fax or Mail (If You Can't Apply Online)
- EIN for Non-US Residents and Foreign LLC Owners
- What to Do After You Get Your EIN
- Common EIN Mistakes to Avoid
- EIN vs SSN vs ITIN: What's the Difference?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an EIN and Why Do You Need One?
An EIN — Employer Identification Number — is a nine-digit federal tax identification number issued by the IRS to identify your business entity. It looks like this: XX-XXXXXXX
Think of it as a Social Security Number for your business. Just as your SSN identifies you as an individual taxpayer, your EIN identifies your LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation to the federal government.
Despite the name, you do not need to have employees to get an EIN. Millions of single-member LLCs, freelancers, and solopreneurs use EINs simply for banking, tax filing, and professional purposes — with zero employees.
Why Your LLC Needs an EIN
To open a business bank account. Every bank in the United States requires an EIN to open a business checking account for an LLC. Without one, you cannot separate your personal and business finances — which defeats the entire purpose of forming an LLC.
To file federal taxes. Your LLC's EIN is used on all federal tax filings — Schedule C, Form 1065, Form 1120-S, and others depending on your tax structure.
To hire employees. If your LLC ever hires even a single employee, an EIN is legally required for payroll tax purposes.
To elect S-Corp status. Filing IRS Form 2553 to elect S-Corp taxation requires your LLC's EIN.
To apply for business licenses. Many state and local business licenses require your EIN as part of the application.
To protect your SSN. Using an EIN instead of your personal SSN on business documents, contracts, and forms reduces your exposure to identity theft.
For professional credibility. Providing an EIN on W-9 forms to clients signals that you operate a legitimate registered business.
Is an EIN Really Free? (Yes — Always)
Yes — getting an EIN is completely free, always, with no exceptions.
The IRS issues EINs directly to business owners at absolutely no cost through their online application system. The process takes approximately 10 minutes and you receive your EIN immediately upon completing the application.
You will find dozens of websites — and even some well-known services — that charge $50–$300 to "help" you get an EIN. These services do nothing that you cannot do yourself in 10 minutes on the official IRS website.
Never pay for an EIN. If a website is asking you for money to obtain an EIN, close the tab and go directly to irs.gov instead.
The only legitimate source for an EIN is the Internal Revenue Service at irs.gov. Anywhere else is unnecessary.
Who Needs an EIN?
You need an EIN if your business meets any of the following:
✅ You have formed an LLC (single-member or multi-member)
✅ You have employees or plan to hire employees
✅ You operate as a partnership
✅ You file excise tax returns
✅ You withhold taxes on income paid to a non-resident alien
✅ You have a Keogh plan (a type of retirement plan for self-employed individuals)
✅ You are involved with certain types of organizations (trusts, estates, nonprofits)
✅ You want to open a business bank account
✅ You want to protect your personal SSN on business documents
Do Sole Proprietors Need an EIN?
Sole proprietors without employees are technically not required to have an EIN — you can use your SSN for federal tax purposes. However, getting an EIN as a sole proprietor is still strongly recommended because:
- It protects your SSN from being shared on W-9 forms and business documents
- Most banks require an EIN for business account applications
- It makes the eventual transition to an LLC smoother
- It adds a layer of professional credibility
What You Need Before Applying
Before starting the IRS EIN online application, have the following ready:
For a Single-Member LLC (Most Common)
- Your personal SSN or ITIN — You must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number to apply online
- Your full legal name as it appears on your Social Security card or ITIN documentation
- Your mailing address — U.S. address preferred for online application
- Your LLC's legal name — exactly as registered with your state
- Your LLC's state of formation — the state where you filed your Articles of Organization
- Your LLC's principal business address — physical U.S. address (can be your home)
- Your LLC's start date — the date your LLC was officially formed or started doing business
- The reason you're applying — "Started a new business" for a newly formed LLC
- Your primary business activity — a brief description of what your LLC does (e.g., "freelance graphic design," "online retail," "consulting services")
- Number of employees expected in the next 12 months — enter 0 if you have none
For Multi-Member LLCs
Same as above, but have the names, SSNs, and addresses of all members who own 50% or more of the LLC available.
Important Timing Note
You can apply for your EIN as soon as your LLC is officially formed — in fact, you should do it the same day or the day after you receive your state confirmation. You need the EIN to open your business bank account, so get it immediately.
How to Apply for an EIN Online: Step-by-Step
The IRS online EIN application is available Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time. Applications submitted outside these hours will not process until the next available window.
Step 1 — Go to the Official IRS EIN Application Page
Open your browser and go to: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
Do not use any other website. This is the only legitimate, free source for an EIN.
Step 2 — Click "Apply Online Now"
On the IRS EIN page, click the "Apply Online Now" button. This launches the official EIN Assistant — a guided, step-by-step questionnaire that takes you through the entire application.
Step 3 — Select Your Entity Type
The first question asks what type of entity is applying for the EIN. For most readers of this guide, select:
- "Limited Liability Company (LLC)" — if you have formed an LLC
- "Sole Proprietor" — if you are applying as an individual without a formal business entity
- "Partnership" — for multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships
Select "Limited Liability Company (LLC)" and click Continue.
Step 4 — Enter LLC Details
You will be asked:
- Number of members: Enter "1" for a single-member LLC, or the actual number for multi-member LLCs
- State/territory where LLC was formed: Select your state from the dropdown
- Reason for applying: Select "Started a new business" for a newly formed LLC
Step 5 — Confirm You Are Authorized
The IRS will ask you to confirm that you are authorized to apply for this EIN — meaning you are the owner, member, or authorized representative of the LLC. As the owner of your LLC, you are authorized.
Step 6 — Enter the Responsible Party Information
The "Responsible Party" is the person who controls, manages, or directs the LLC — for most single-member LLCs, this is you.
You will enter:
- Your legal first and last name
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
- Your title in the LLC (typically "Member" or "Owner")
Note: The IRS requires a human individual — not a business entity — to be listed as the Responsible Party for most LLC applications.
Step 7 — Enter Your LLC's Business Information
- LLC legal name — exactly as it appears on your state formation documents
- Trade name / DBA — if applicable (leave blank if none)
- Business mailing address — can be your home address
- County and state where the LLC is located
Step 8 — Enter Business Activity Details
- Primary business activity — select the category that best describes your business (options include: Construction, Finance & Insurance, Real Estate, Rental & Leasing, Manufacturing, Retail, Services, etc.)
- Specific products or services — briefly describe what your LLC does in plain language. Examples: "freelance web design," "online coaching services," "e-commerce retail," "property management"
Step 9 — Answer Employment Questions
- Date business started or acquired — enter the date your LLC was officially formed
- Closing month of accounting year — for most small LLCs, this is December (calendar year)
- Highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months — enter 0 if you have no employees
- First date you paid or will pay wages — leave blank or select N/A if no employees
Step 10 — Review and Submit
Review all the information you've entered for accuracy. Pay particular attention to:
- Your SSN/ITIN (must be exact)
- Your LLC's legal name (must match state records exactly)
- Your business address
Once you've confirmed everything is correct, click "Submit" to send your application to the IRS.
Step 11 — Receive Your EIN Immediately
Upon successful submission, the IRS will display your EIN on screen immediately. Do not close this page until you have recorded your EIN.
You will also have the option to:
- Download and save your EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575) as a PDF — do this immediately and save it permanently
- Print the confirmation letter for your physical records
Your EIN is permanent — the same EIN stays with your LLC for its entire existence. You will never need to apply for a new one (except in rare circumstances like changing your business entity type).
How to Apply by Fax or Mail (If You Can't Apply Online)
If you are unable to apply online — for example, if you do not have a U.S. SSN or ITIN, or if the online system is unavailable — you can apply by fax or mail using IRS Form SS-4 (Application for Employer Identification Number).
Apply by Fax
- Download Form SS-4 from irs.gov
- Complete all sections of the form
- Fax to the IRS at the number listed in the Form SS-4 instructions (varies by state)
- Processing time: 4 business days
Apply by Mail
- Complete Form SS-4 and mail to the IRS address listed in the instructions
- Processing time: 4–5 weeks
When to Use Fax or Mail
- You are a non-US resident without an SSN or ITIN (international LLC owners)
- The online system is experiencing technical issues
- You prefer a paper trail for your records
For the vast majority of U.S. residents forming an LLC: use the online application. It's faster, easier, and gives you your EIN instantly.
EIN for Non-US Residents and Foreign LLC Owners
If you are a non-US citizen or non-resident who has formed a U.S. LLC, getting an EIN is slightly more complex — but still very achievable.
Option 1 — Apply by Phone (International Applicants)
Non-US residents who cannot apply online can call the IRS directly at: +1 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number)
Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM Eastern Time
You will speak with an IRS representative who will take your information and issue your EIN by the end of the call. Have your completed Form SS-4 ready before calling.
Option 2 — Apply by Fax or Mail with Form SS-4
Non-residents can also submit Form SS-4 by fax or mail. On line 7b of the form, write "Foreign" if you do not have a U.S. SSN or ITIN.
Option 3 — Get an ITIN First
If you plan to file U.S. taxes as a non-resident LLC owner, consider applying for an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) first. With an ITIN, you can use the standard online EIN application process.
Apply for an ITIN using IRS Form W-7 — processing takes 7–11 weeks by mail or faster through an IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.
What to Do After You Get Your EIN
Getting your EIN is a milestone — but there are important next steps:
1. Save Your EIN Confirmation Letter (CP 575)
Download and permanently save the PDF of your EIN confirmation letter. Store it in:
- A secure cloud folder (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Your email with a clear subject line ("LLC EIN Confirmation")
- A physical file folder with your LLC documents
You will need this document when opening a bank account, applying for licenses, and working with your CPA.
2. Open Your Business Bank Account
With your EIN and LLC formation documents in hand, you can now open a dedicated business checking account. This should be your very next step after getting your EIN.
3. Update Your W-9
As a freelancer or LLC owner, you'll frequently be asked to fill out a Form W-9 by clients who pay you $600 or more per year. Update your W-9 to use your LLC name and EIN instead of your personal name and SSN.
4. Provide Your EIN to Clients and Vendors
When clients ask for your tax information, provide your LLC name and EIN — not your personal SSN. This protects your personal identity and establishes your LLC as the contracting party.
5. Register Your EIN for State Tax Purposes
In most states, you'll need to register separately for state tax accounts using your EIN:
- Sales tax permit (if selling taxable goods/services)
- State income tax withholding (if you have employees)
- State unemployment insurance (if you have employees)
Check your specific state's Department of Revenue website for requirements.
6. Give Your EIN to Your CPA
If you work with an accountant or CPA, provide them with your EIN and a copy of your CP 575 confirmation letter as part of your onboarding process.
Common EIN Mistakes to Avoid
Paying for an EIN Never pay any third-party service to obtain an EIN. It is always free, always available at irs.gov, and takes 10 minutes. Services that charge for EIN applications are providing zero value.
Applying Before Your LLC Is Formed You should apply for your EIN after your LLC is officially approved by your state — not before. The EIN application asks for your LLC's state registration information, which you won't have until your LLC is formed.
Using Your Personal SSN for Business Instead of Getting an EIN Some sole proprietors skip getting an EIN and use their SSN for business purposes. While technically allowed in some cases, this exposes your SSN unnecessarily on every W-9, invoice, and business document.
Mistyping Your SSN During the Application The IRS will reject applications with incorrect SSNs. Double-check your SSN entry before submitting — a typo can delay your application or result in a rejection.
Applying for Multiple EINs for the Same LLC Your LLC needs only one EIN. Do not apply multiple times — the IRS may flag duplicate applications. If you lose your EIN, you can retrieve it through your confirmation letter, your bank, your CPA, or by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.
Confusing Your EIN with Your State Tax ID Your federal EIN is separate from any state tax identification numbers your state may require. After getting your federal EIN, check whether your state also requires a separate state tax registration.
Not Downloading the CP 575 Confirmation Letter The CP 575 is your official IRS confirmation of your EIN. Banks, lenders, and government agencies may ask for it. Download and save it the moment it appears on screen — if you close the page without saving it, you'll need to contact the IRS to request a replacement (Form 147C).
EIN vs SSN vs ITIN: What's the Difference?
Understanding the difference between these three numbers helps you know which one to use in different situations:
| EIN | SSN | ITIN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Issued by | IRS | Social Security Administration | IRS |
| Who gets it | Businesses and entities | U.S. citizens and eligible residents | Non-residents who need to file U.S. taxes |
| Format | XX-XXXXXXX | XXX-XX-XXXX | 9XX-XX-XXXX (starts with 9) |
| Used for | Business tax filings, banking, payroll | Personal tax filings, identity | Personal tax filings for non-residents |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free |
| Expires | Never | Never | Every 3 years (if not used) |
| When to use on W-9 | When providing tax info for your LLC | When operating as a sole proprietor (no LLC) | When you have no SSN |
The rule of thumb: Once you form an LLC, use your EIN for all business documents, W-9s, and tax filings. Reserve your SSN for personal tax returns and identity verification only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is getting an EIN really free?
Yes — 100% free, always, directly from the IRS at irs.gov. Never pay a third-party service for an EIN. They charge for something the IRS gives away for free in 10 minutes.
Q: How long does it take to get an EIN online?
The online application takes approximately 10 minutes and your EIN is issued immediately upon completion — the same session, on the same screen.
Q: Can I apply for an EIN before my LLC is approved?
No. You should wait until your LLC is officially approved by your state before applying for the EIN. You'll need your LLC's state registration details for the application.
Q: What if I lose my EIN?
If you lose your EIN, you can find it on: your CP 575 confirmation letter, prior tax returns, your business bank account paperwork, or by calling the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933.
Q: Does a single-member LLC need an EIN if it has no employees?
Technically not required for tax purposes alone — but practically yes. You need an EIN to open a business bank account, protect your SSN, and handle W-9 requests from clients.
Q: Can I use my EIN as soon as I receive it?
Yes. Your EIN is valid and active immediately upon issuance. You can use it to open a bank account, complete a W-9, or apply for licenses right away.
Q: Can a non-US citizen get an EIN?
Yes. Non-US citizens and non-residents who form U.S. LLCs can get an EIN by calling the IRS international line (+1 267-941-1099), faxing or mailing Form SS-4, or by getting an ITIN first and then applying online.
Q: Do I need a new EIN if I change my LLC name?
No. An LLC name change does not require a new EIN. You simply notify the IRS of the name change by writing a letter or noting it on your next tax return.
Q: Can my LLC have more than one EIN?
No. Each LLC entity should have exactly one EIN. If you start a second separate LLC, that new entity gets its own new EIN.
Q: What is the difference between an EIN and a state tax ID?
An EIN is a federal identification number issued by the IRS. A state tax ID is a separate number issued by your state's Department of Revenue for state tax purposes (sales tax, state income tax withholding, etc.). Many states require both.
The Bottom Line
Getting an EIN for your LLC is one of the fastest, easiest steps in the entire business formation process — and it costs absolutely nothing.
Go to irs.gov, click "Apply Online Now," answer 10 minutes of straightforward questions, and you'll have your EIN on screen immediately. Download your CP 575 confirmation letter, save it permanently, and move on to opening your business bank account.
That's it. No attorney needed. No service fees. No waiting. Just 10 minutes and a free federal tax ID that unlocks your LLC's ability to bank, operate, and grow as a legitimate business.
Continue setting up your LLC:
- Best Business Bank Accounts for LLCs in 2026
- How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC? (All 50 States)
- LLC Tax Deductions: 25 Write-Offs Every Owner Must Know
- Do I Need an LLC as a Freelancer?
Disclaimer: IRS procedures, forms, and application hours are subject to change. Always verify current requirements and application procedures directly at irs.gov. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Consult a qualified CPA or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
© 2026 StartupLLCGuide.com — Written by Alex Sterling