How to Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
An EINEmployer Identification Number — A federal tax ID number for a business, like an SSN for the company. Issued free by the IRS.Click for official info ↗ is like a Social Security number for your business. It is free from the IRSInternal Revenue Service — The US federal tax agency. It collects federal income taxes, issues refunds, and administers ITINs.Click for official info ↗. It takes about 15 minutes. Banks, marketplaces, and payroll services all ask for one. Here is the real application. It also shows the traps to avoid.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Free from the IRS
- Total time:
- 15 minutes online
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- irs.gov
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official US sources(October 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 10 min
Confirm you actually need an EIN
You need one if you hire employees. You also need one if you run a business as an LLCLimited Liability Company — A business structure that protects your personal assets from business debts and lawsuits.Click for official info ↗, partnership, or corporation. You need one to open a business bank account. You need one to file excise taxes. You also need one if you withhold taxes for a household employee. Sole proprietors with no employees can use their SSN. But an EIN keeps your SSN off W-9s. This lowers your risk of identity theft.
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- Before You Go 2 min
Never pay a third-party site
The IRS gives EINs for free. Some sites charge $50–$300 for an "EIN filing service". They just send in the same free form for you. Use the IRS application directly. Be careful with any site that looks official but is not irs.gov.
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- Go 15 min
Use the online application
The online EIN application is at irs.gov. It is open Mon–Fri 6am–1am Eastern. It is open Sat 6am–9pm. It is open Sun 6pm–midnight. You must finish it in one session. It takes about 15 minutes. It times out after 15 minutes of inactivity. The IRS gives only one EIN per responsible party per day. You get the EIN right away at the end. International applicants without an SSN cannot use the online form. Call 267-941-1099 instead. This call is not toll-free. Lines are open 6am–11pm Eastern. Or fax/mail Form SS-4.
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- Fill / Prepare 15 min
Answer the SS-4 questions
First, name the "responsible party". This is you. Give your SSN/ITINIndividual Taxpayer Identification Number — A tax processing number for people who are not eligible for a Social Security number but must file US taxes.Click for official info ↗. Next, choose your entity type. Then say why you are applying. For example, you started a business, hired an employee, or need it for banking. Then describe what your business does. Answer honestly. The entity type you pick here affects your tax filings.
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- Receive Same day
Save the CP 575 confirmation
The EIN shows on screen. It also shows on your CP 575 notice. The notice arrives by mail in ~4 weeks. Download and print the on-screen confirmation right away. The IRS cannot show it again. Replacing a lost notice takes weeks. Open your business bank account with it right away.
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- Follow Up —
Use the EIN the right way from now on
Use the EIN on business bank accounts. Use it on W-9s to clients. Use it on payroll filings and business tax returns. But note one thing. If you have a single-member LLC with no employees, the IRS still wants your personal SSN on your 1040US Individual Income Tax Return — The standard federal income tax form. Variants like 1040-SR (seniors) and schedules attach to it.Click for official info ↗ Schedule C. If you lose the number later, call the Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.
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Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Paying a third-party site for an EIN. The IRS gives EINs for free. Some sites charge $50 to $300 for an EIN filing service, and they just send in the same free form for you. Use the IRS application directly.
Letting the online session time out. You must finish the online application in one session. It takes about 15 minutes and it times out after 15 minutes of inactivity. The IRS gives only one EIN per responsible party per day.
Not saving the confirmation. Download and print the on-screen confirmation right away. The EIN also shows on your CP 575 notice, which arrives by mail in about 4 weeks, but the IRS cannot show the on-screen confirmation again. Replacing a lost notice takes weeks.
Using your SSN on W-9s instead of an EIN. Sole proprietors with no employees can use their SSNSocial Security Number — A 9-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration. It is the main US identity number for work, taxes, and credit.Click for official info ↗, but an EIN keeps your SSN off W-9s and lowers your risk of identity theft.
Trying to apply online without an SSN or ITIN. International applicants without an SSN cannot use the online form. Call 267-941-1099Information Return series — Forms reporting income that is not wages — freelance pay (1099-NEC), interest (1099-INT), dividends (1099-DIV).Click for official info ↗ instead, or fax or mail Form SS-4. Fax takes about 4 business days, and mail takes about 4 weeks.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an EIN without an SSN or ITIN?
Yes. But you cannot do it online. International applicants call 267-941-1099 during US Eastern hours. Or they fax/mail Form SS-4. Fax takes about 4 business days. Include a return fax number. Mail takes about 4 weeks. Many founders first get an ITIN. Then they apply.
Does an EIN cost anything?
No. It is always free from the IRS. Any website charging for an EIN is a middleman. The "service" is typing the same free form for you.
Do I need a new EIN if my business changes?
Usually not. You do not need a new one for a name or address change. Just tell the IRS and your bank. You DO need a new EIN if you change entity type. For example, sole prop to LLC, or LLC to corporation. You also need one if you add partners or file bankruptcy.
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