You just formed your LLC. Congratulations. Now comes one of the most important next steps that a lot of new business owners either delay too long or mess up entirely: getting your Employer Identification Number, better known as an EIN.
Without an EIN, you cannot open a business bank account, cannot legally hire employees, and cannot file certain tax forms for your LLC. It is the federal tax ID that the IRS uses to identify your business, and you need it before you can do almost anything significant with your new LLC.
The good news is that getting an EIN is completely free and, for most US residents, takes less than 10 minutes online. This guide walks you through the entire process step by step, covers the different methods available, explains what to do after you get your EIN, and answers every common question you are likely to have.
Quick Answer: You can get a free EIN for your LLC in about 10 minutes by applying online at IRS.gov. You will receive your EIN immediately upon completing the application. The IRS online tool is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM Eastern Time.
Table of Contents
- What Is an EIN and Why Does Your LLC Need One?
- What You Need Before You Apply
- 3 Ways to Get an EIN for Your LLC
- Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an EIN Online
- How to Apply Using Form SS-4 (Mail or Fax)
- Getting an EIN as a Non-US Resident
- What to Do After You Get Your EIN
- Common EIN Mistakes to Avoid
- What to Do If You Lose Your EIN
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an EIN and Why Does Your LLC Need One?
An EIN stands for Employer Identification Number. It is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS in the format XX-XXXXXXX. Despite the name including the word "employer," you do not need to have any employees to get one. Any LLC, regardless of size, can and should have an EIN.
Think of an EIN as your business's version of a Social Security Number. Just like the SSN identifies you as an individual to the federal government, the EIN identifies your LLC. Banks use it to open your business account. The IRS uses it to process your business tax filings. Vendors and clients may ask for it when setting up payment relationships with your LLC.
When Is an EIN Required for an LLC?
The IRS says you need an EIN if any of the following apply to your LLC:
- You have or plan to hire employees
- Your LLC has more than one member (multi-member LLC)
- Your LLC is taxed as a corporation or S-Corp
- You operate a Keogh plan or other retirement plan as a self-employed person
- You are involved with trusts, estates, real estate mortgage investment, or certain other financial structures
And even if none of those apply right now, you will still need an EIN to:
- Open a business bank account (virtually every bank requires it)
- Apply for a business credit card
- Set up payment processing accounts like Stripe or PayPal Business
- Apply for business licenses or permits in many jurisdictions
- Work with certain clients who require a W-9 form
- File your federal and state business tax returns
In short, if you want to run your LLC like a real, separate business entity, you need an EIN. Period.
Do Not Pay for an EIN: Getting an EIN from the IRS is 100% free. There are many websites that charge $50 to $300 to "apply for an EIN on your behalf." These are not scams exactly, but they are completely unnecessary. The IRS application is simple enough to do yourself at no cost. Always apply directly through IRS.gov.
What You Need Before You Apply
Before you sit down to apply, gather these items so the process goes smoothly without interruptions:
| Item Needed | Why It Is Required | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Your LLC name (exact legal name) | Must match your Articles of Organization exactly | Your filed Articles of Organization document |
| Your LLC's principal business address | IRS needs a mailing address for your business | Your Articles of Organization |
| State and date your LLC was formed | IRS needs to verify the entity exists | Your Articles of Organization approval |
| Responsible party's SSN or ITIN | IRS requires a valid tax ID for the applicant | Your Social Security card or ITIN letter |
| Number of LLC members | Determines default tax classification | Your operating agreement |
| Nature of the business | IRS categorizes by business activity | Know your primary business activity |
| Reason for applying | IRS asks why you need the EIN | For most new LLCs: "Started new business" |
Important: The person listed as the "responsible party" on the EIN application must have a valid US Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are a US citizen or resident, this is your SSN. If you are a non-US resident, see the dedicated section below for your options.
3 Ways to Get an EIN for Your LLC
The IRS offers three methods for applying for an EIN. Here is how they compare:
Online Application
Apply on IRS.gov. Takes about 10 minutes. You receive your EIN immediately on screen at the end.
Available Mon-Fri, 7 AM to 10 PM ET
Mail (Form SS-4)
Print and mail Form SS-4 to the IRS. Takes 4 to 5 weeks to receive your EIN by mail.
No SSN required for mail applications
Fax (Form SS-4)
Fax your completed Form SS-4 to the IRS. Receive your EIN back by fax in about 4 business days.
Need access to a fax machine or service
For US residents with an SSN, the online application is the clear winner. It is instant, free, and takes under 15 minutes. The mail and fax methods are primarily used by non-US residents who cannot complete the online application, or in rare cases where the online system is unavailable.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an EIN Online
Follow these steps exactly. The IRS online application has a session timeout, which means if you take too long on any one screen, it kicks you out and you have to start over. Have all your information ready before you begin.
Go to the Official IRS EIN Application Page
Open your browser and go to IRS.gov. Search for "EIN online application" or navigate to the Employer Identification Number section under Small Businesses and Self-Employed. Make sure you are on the official IRS.gov site. The URL should contain "irs.gov" - nothing else. Do not use any third-party EIN application websites.
Click "Apply Online Now"
On the EIN page, click the "Apply Online Now" button to launch the application. This opens the EIN Assistant, which walks you through the process using a simple question-and-answer format. Before you click, make sure you have at least 15 to 20 uninterrupted minutes. The session expires after 15 minutes of inactivity.
Select Your Entity Type: Limited Liability Company
The first question asks what type of entity you are applying for. Select "Limited Liability Company" from the list. On the next screen, the IRS will ask how many members your LLC has. Enter the correct number. If you are the only owner, enter 1 for a single-member LLC. If you have partners, enter the total number of members.
Choose Your State of Formation
Select the state where your LLC was formed. This should match the state listed on your Articles of Organization. The IRS uses this information to verify that your LLC legally exists as a registered entity.
Select the Reason for Applying
The IRS asks why you need an EIN. For a newly formed LLC, select "Started a new business." Other options include banking purposes, hired employees, or changed business structure. Choose whichever reason most accurately describes your situation.
Enter the Responsible Party Information
This is the person who owns or controls the LLC and is responsible for its finances. For a single-member LLC, this is you. Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, along with your Social Security Number. The IRS uses this to tie the EIN back to a real individual taxpayer.
Enter Your LLC's Legal Name and Address
Type your LLC's exact legal name as it appears on your Articles of Organization. Even a small difference in punctuation or capitalization can cause issues later. Enter your principal business address, which should be in the United States. If you use a registered agent service address, use your actual business address here instead.
Describe Your Business Activity
The IRS will ask you to describe what your business does. Choose the category that best matches your primary business activity from the dropdown list. If nothing fits exactly, choose the closest match. Then provide a brief description of what your business does in the open text field.
Review and Submit Your Application
The IRS will show you a summary of all the information you entered. Review every field carefully before submitting. Once you click Submit, you cannot change the information through the online portal. If anything looks wrong, go back and correct it now.
Save and Print Your EIN Confirmation
After you submit, the IRS will display your new EIN on the screen immediately. Write it down right away, then click the option to download or print your confirmation notice. This notice is called the CP 575. Save a digital copy and print a physical copy. You will need this document to open your business bank account and for many other purposes going forward.
You Did It: Your EIN is valid and active immediately. You do not need to wait for anything to be processed or approved. The EIN the IRS displays on screen after your submission is your real, permanent federal tax ID. You can start using it right away.
How to Apply Using Form SS-4 (Mail or Fax)
If you are unable to complete the online application for any reason, you can apply using IRS Form SS-4. Here is how the process works:
Mail / Fax Method Form SS-4 Application
- Download Form SS-4 from IRS.gov (search "Form SS-4 PDF")
- Fill out all required fields using the same information described in the online steps above
- Double-check every field before sending - errors cause delays
- For fax: Send to the appropriate IRS fax number based on your state (listed in the SS-4 instructions). Expect your EIN back by fax in about 4 business days.
- For mail: Send to the IRS address listed in the Form SS-4 instructions for your state. Expect your EIN by mail in 4 to 5 weeks.
| Application Method | Processing Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (IRS.gov) | Immediate | Free | US residents with SSN |
| Fax (Form SS-4) | 4 business days | Free | Non-residents, no online access |
| Mail (Form SS-4) | 4 to 5 weeks | Free | Non-residents, no fax access |
| Phone (International) | Same day | Free | Non-US applicants calling from outside USA |
Getting an EIN as a Non-US Resident
If you do not have a US Social Security Number or ITIN, you cannot use the IRS online application portal. This is the most common challenge for foreign nationals who form a US LLC from abroad.
You have three options:
Option 1: Apply by Mail Using Form SS-4
Complete Form SS-4 and mail it to the IRS. In the "Responsible Party" section, write "Foreign" in the SSN field if you do not have one. This signals to the IRS that the applicant is a non-US person. Processing takes 4 to 5 weeks.
Option 2: Apply by Fax Using Form SS-4
The fax method works the same way as mail, just faster. You fax Form SS-4 to the IRS and receive your EIN back by fax in approximately 4 business days. You will need access to a fax service, which you can use online through services like eFax or FaxZero.
Option 3: Call the IRS International Line
Non-US residents can call the IRS directly at their international EIN line and receive an EIN over the phone during the call. The number is 267-941-1099 (not toll-free from outside the US). You will need to have your completed Form SS-4 in front of you since the IRS representative will ask you the same questions. The line is available Monday through Friday, 6 AM to 11 PM Eastern Time.
Shortcut for Non-Residents: Some EIN service providers specialize in getting EINs for non-US residents. They charge $50 to $150 for this service, which can be worth it if you want to avoid the wait times and complexity of the mail and fax methods. Just make sure you are using a reputable service and not handing your personal information to an unknown third party. For a full breakdown of this process, read our dedicated guide on getting an EIN without a Social Security Number.
What to Do After You Get Your EIN
Getting the EIN is a milestone, but it is just one item on your LLC setup checklist. Here is exactly what you should do right after receiving your EIN:
Next Step 1 Open a Business Bank Account
This is the single most important thing to do with your new EIN. Take your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575), your LLC's Articles of Organization, and your operating agreement to a bank or credit union. Online banks like Mercury, Relay, and Novo are excellent options for LLCs because they have no monthly fees and were built specifically for startups and small businesses. Keeping your business money separate from personal money is non-negotiable for maintaining your LLC's liability protection. Read our guide on the best business bank accounts for LLCs to find the right fit.
Next Step 2 Store Your EIN Confirmation Letter Safely
The CP 575 confirmation letter the IRS sends is your official proof of EIN assignment. Store it digitally in a secure cloud location like Google Drive or Dropbox, and keep a physical copy in a file folder with your other business documents. Banks and other institutions may ask to see this letter in original form rather than just accepting the number itself.
Next Step 3 Update Your LLC Operating Agreement
Add your EIN to your LLC's operating agreement and any other internal documents that reference your LLC's official information. This keeps everything consistent and organized, which matters if your records are ever reviewed.
Next Step 4 Register for State Taxes If Required
Your EIN is a federal tax ID, but many states also require separate registration for state taxes, especially if you collect sales tax or have employees. Check your state's Department of Revenue website to see what applies to your LLC. This varies significantly by state and business type.
Next Step 5 Set Up Your Accounting System
Now that your LLC has an EIN and a bank account, set up a basic bookkeeping system before you make a single business transaction. Even a simple spreadsheet works at the beginning, but most LLC owners quickly find that accounting software like Wave (free) or QuickBooks (paid) saves significant time at tax season. Recording every transaction from day one is much easier than trying to reconstruct months of spending later.
Common EIN Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Applying Before Your LLC Is Officially Approved
Wait until your state has officially approved your LLC and you have your stamped Articles of Organization before you apply for your EIN. Applying with an LLC name that does not yet officially exist can create mismatches in IRS records that cause headaches later.
Mistake 2: Entering the Wrong LLC Name
The name you enter on your EIN application must match your LLC's legal name exactly as it appears on your state-filed Articles of Organization. If your LLC is registered as "Blue Ridge Consulting LLC" with a comma, that comma matters. A mismatch can cause problems when you try to open a bank account or file taxes.
Mistake 3: Using Your EIN Instead of SSN on Personal Returns
For a single-member LLC that has not elected corporate taxation, your personal tax return (Form 1040) still uses your Social Security Number. Your EIN is for business filings and third-party forms like W-9s. Do not put your EIN on your personal 1040.
Mistake 4: Applying for More Than One EIN
Each legal business entity should have only one EIN. If you accidentally apply twice and get two EINs, contact the IRS to cancel the duplicate. Using two different EINs for the same business creates serious confusion in tax records.
Mistake 5: Letting the Session Time Out Mid-Application
The IRS online application session expires after 15 minutes of inactivity. If that happens, you have to start all over. Have everything ready before you begin and complete the application in one sitting.
Watch Out for EIN Scam Websites: Search results for "apply for EIN" are full of third-party sites designed to look official that charge fees ranging from $50 to $300 to apply for an EIN on your behalf. You do not need these services. Always go directly to IRS.gov. The official URL is irs.gov and the application is always free.
What to Do If You Lose Your EIN
It happens more often than you might think. Someone misplaces their CP 575 letter and needs to locate their EIN. Here are the ways to find it:
- Check your original confirmation email if you saved it from when you applied online
- Look at previous tax returns - your EIN appears on any business tax forms you have filed
- Check with your bank - your EIN is typically on file with your business bank account
- Look at your W-2 or 1099 forms if you have ever issued them to employees or contractors
- Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933, Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 7 PM local time. They can confirm your EIN after verifying your identity.
The IRS does not issue a replacement CP 575 letter, but they will send a 147C letter confirming your EIN if you request it by phone. Banks accept the 147C letter the same way they accept the CP 575.
Just Got Your EIN? Here Is What Comes Next
Read our complete LLC setup checklist to make sure your business is fully compliant, properly protected, and ready to operate.
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- How to Form an LLC in the USA: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
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- LLC Operating Agreement: What It Is and Why You Need One
- Self-Employment Tax for LLC Owners: What You Owe and How to Reduce It
- LLC vs Sole Proprietorship: Which Is Better for Your Business?
Official IRS Resources
- IRS.gov: Apply for an EIN Online (Free and Official)
- IRS Form SS-4: Application for Employer Identification Number (PDF)
- IRS.gov: Employer ID Numbers - Full Information Page