How to Get an EIN for Your LLC

How to get an EIN: the 10-minute IRS application, what you need, and common mistakes.

Knowing how to get an EIN for your LLC is one of the first tasks after you form your company. An Employer Identification Number is the federal tax ID the IRS uses to identify your business. The good news is that the online application is free, takes about ten minutes, and you get your number immediately. Here is what you need and how to avoid common mistakes.

What an EIN Is and Why You Get an EIN

An EIN is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to your business. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees, file certain taxes, and sometimes to register with your state. Even a single-member LLC may want an EIN to keep business and personal finances separate. For more on how the number fits into your setup, see our EIN guide.

How to Get an EIN: Apply Online for Free

The fastest way to get an EIN is the IRS online application. It is free, and you receive your EIN immediately when you finish. The online tool is available during certain hours and requires that you complete the application in one session. You must be the responsible party for the LLC, which is usually the owner or a principal officer. There is no fee for the IRS application, so be wary of any service that charges you to apply.

What You Need to Apply

Before you start, gather your LLC's legal name, the name and Social Security number or ITIN of the responsible party, your mailing address, and the date and state where the LLC was formed. You will also answer a few questions about the business, such as its structure and whether it will have employees. Having this information ready makes the process quick and reduces errors.

When You Can Apply Online

You can apply online after your LLC is formed and you have a valid responsible party with a Social Security number or ITIN. The online application is generally available Monday through Friday during business hours. If you cannot use the online tool, you can apply by fax or mail, though those methods take longer. For most owners, the online route is the simplest and fastest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common errors are applying before the LLC is formed, entering the responsible party's name incorrectly, and paying a third party for a free service. Another mistake is using the wrong legal name, which should match your formation documents. If you make an error, you may need to contact the IRS to correct it. Take your time and double-check each field before you submit.

After You Get Your EIN

Once you have your EIN, use it to open a business bank account and to file your taxes. Keep the confirmation letter in your records. Your EIN is tied to your LLC, so if your ownership changes, the number typically stays the same. For more on running your LLC, review our annual report guide and how to form an LLC if you have not yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the EIN application really free?

Yes. The IRS online application is free and takes about ten minutes. Be wary of any service that charges a fee to apply. The IRS never charges for an EIN, so any website that asks for payment to obtain one is charging you for something you can do yourself at no cost. Some services bundle the EIN with other formation help, which can be legitimate, but you should know you are paying for the service, not for the EIN itself. The official application is on the IRS website, and you receive your number immediately when you finish. If you prefer not to apply online, you can also apply by fax or mail, though those methods take longer. As long as you use the IRS directly, the application is completely free.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

The online application issues your EIN immediately. Fax and mail applications take longer, often several weeks. When you apply through the IRS website, you get your nine-digit EIN on the screen as soon as you submit, so you can use it right away for a bank account or other paperwork. Fax applications are typically processed within a few business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. Mail applications are the slowest and can take several weeks, so they are best avoided if you need the number soon. The online tool is only available during certain hours, so check the IRS website for the current schedule. If you are in a hurry, applying online is almost always the fastest option.

Does a single-member LLC need an EIN?

Not always, but it is often useful for opening a bank account and separating business finances. Many owners get one anyway. A single-member LLC with no employees can use the owner's Social Security number for tax purposes, so an EIN is not strictly required. However, most banks ask for an EIN when you open a business account, and having one keeps your personal and business finances clearly separate. You will also need an EIN if you plan to hire employees, file certain excise taxes, or elect to be taxed as a corporation. Since the application is free and takes only a few minutes, most owners get one regardless. It is a simple step that makes future banking and tax work easier.

Can I apply before my LLC is formed?

No. You should form your LLC first, then apply for the EIN using the legal name from your formation documents. The IRS wants the EIN to match the legal name and structure of an existing entity, so applying before formation can cause delays or errors. Once your LLC is approved by the state, you can apply online using the exact legal name, the date and state of formation, and the responsible party's information. If you apply too early, you may have to correct the application or start over. The good news is that the online application is fast, so there is little reason to rush. Form the LLC, receive your formation documents, and then apply for the EIN right away.