Get Your EIN Online — Free & Instant from the IRS
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID. It’s free from the IRS, takes 5 minutes to apply online, and your number is issued immediately. No third-party service needed — apply directly at IRS.gov.
Don’t pay $50–$300 for a free service. Dozens of websites charge hefty fees to “help you get an EIN.” They’re filling out the same free IRS form you can complete yourself in 5 minutes. The IRS charges $0 for an EIN — always. The only reason to pay is if the EIN is bundled with a broader formation package that also files your LLC or corporation. If you just need an EIN, apply directly at IRS.gov.
Before You Apply: What You Need
Have these ready before starting — the IRS application times out after 15 minutes with no way to save progress.
Your Entity Must Exist
Your LLC or corporation must already be formed and approved by the state. The IRS verifies your entity information. If you haven’t filed yet, form your business first.
Responsible Party’s SSN or ITIN
The IRS requires a “responsible party” — a real person who controls the business. You’ll need their full legal name, SSN or ITIN, and title (e.g., Member, President, CEO). For a single-member LLC, this is you.
Business Details
Legal name of the entity (must match formation documents exactly), trade name/DBA if different, mailing address, state of formation, date business started, and primary business activity.
How to Get Your EIN Online — Step by Step
The entire process takes about 5 minutes. Your EIN is issued immediately upon submission.
Go to the IRS EIN Assistant
Navigate to the IRS online EIN application at IRS.gov/EIN. Click “Apply Online Now.” The system is available Monday–Friday, 7 AM – 10 PM Eastern Time. It’s not available on weekends or federal holidays.
Select Your Entity Type
Choose the type of entity: LLC, Corporation, S-Corporation, Partnership, Sole Proprietor, Nonprofit, Estate, or Trust. This determines your default tax classification and which forms you’ll file. Most small business owners select “Limited Liability Company.”
Identify the Responsible Party
Enter the responsible party’s full legal name, SSN or ITIN, and title. The IRS defines this as the person who “controls, manages, or directs the entity and the disposition of its funds and assets.” For a single-member LLC, that’s you. For a corporation, it’s typically the president or CEO.
Enter Business Information
Legal name of the entity (exactly as it appears on your formation documents), any DBA/trade name, mailing address, state of formation, date the business started or was acquired, and a brief description of your business activity (or NAICS code).
Answer Tax Questions
Expected number of employees in the next 12 months (enter 0 if none), expected date of first payroll (if applicable), reason for applying (started new business, hired employees, banking purposes, compliance), and the highest number of employees expected.
Review, Submit & Save
Review every field — especially the legal name and entity type. Errors require filing Form 8822-B to correct later. Submit the application. Your EIN is displayed immediately on screen. Print or save the confirmation (CP 575 equivalent). The official CP 575 letter arrives by mail in 4–6 weeks, but you can use the EIN immediately.
Ready? Get Your Free EIN Now
The IRS online application takes 5 minutes. Your EIN is issued instantly. No fee, no account needed.
Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 10 PM ET • Results in 5 minutes • 100% free
Can’t Apply Online? Alternative Methods
The online application requires a US-based responsible party with an SSN or ITIN. If that doesn’t apply to you, here are your options.
Fax (Form SS-4)
Best for: Non-US residents without an SSN/ITIN
Processing: 4 business days
Cost: Free
How: Complete IRS Form SS-4, leave the SSN/ITIN field blank, and fax to the IRS. Include a return fax number. Your EIN is faxed back.
Phone
Best for: International applicants who want same-day processing
Processing: Issued during the call
Cost: Free (not toll-free)
How: Call (267) 941-1099, Mon–Fri, 6 AM–11 PM ET. The IRS agent walks you through the SS-4 questions and issues your EIN on the spot.
Mail (Form SS-4)
Best for: Last resort only
Processing: 4–6 weeks
Cost: Free
How: Mail completed Form SS-4 to: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.
What to Do After Getting Your EIN
Your EIN unlocks everything else. Here’s the order of operations.
Open a Business Bank Account
Take your EIN confirmation, formation documents, and operating agreement to the bank. Most banks also require government-issued ID.
File Your BOI Report
Report your beneficial owners to FinCEN within 30 days of formation. Free to file at boiefiling.fincen.gov. Penalties: $500/day for non-compliance.
Get Business Licenses
Check federal, state, and local license requirements for your industry and location. Business licenses guide →
Set Up Bookkeeping
Separate business and personal finances from day one. Track every transaction. QuickBooks, Wave, or a simple spreadsheet — start now, not at tax time.
Common EIN Application Mistakes to Avoid
These errors cause delays, rejections, or problems down the road.
Applying Before Formation
Your entity must be formed and approved by the state before you apply. The IRS cross-references your information. If your LLC hasn’t been approved yet, wait for the state confirmation before applying.
Wrong Legal Name
The legal name on your EIN must exactly match your formation documents. If your Articles of Organization say “ABC Holdings LLC” but you type “ABC Holdings, LLC” (with a comma) or “ABC Holdings” (without LLC), it creates mismatches that affect banking and tax filing.
Not Saving the Confirmation
Your EIN is displayed on screen immediately after submission. Print or save this page. The official CP 575 notice takes 4–6 weeks by mail. If you close the browser without saving, you’ll need to call the IRS to retrieve your EIN — which can take days.
Wrong Entity Type
Selecting “Corporation” when you formed an LLC (or vice versa) creates tax classification issues. The entity type on your EIN must match what you actually formed with the state. Fixing this later requires Form 8822-B.
Session Timeout
The IRS application times out after 15 minutes of inactivity. You cannot save progress. If it times out, you start over from scratch. Have all your information ready before you begin — don’t pause to look up your formation date or business address mid-application.
Applying Multiple Times
Each entity should only have one EIN. If you think the application failed and apply again, you may end up with duplicate EINs — creating confusion for banking and tax filing. Wait 24 hours and check before reapplying. Contact the IRS if unsure.
Haven’t Formed Your Business Yet?
You need a formed entity before you can get an EIN. Here’s how to start.
Compare Formation Services
Find the best formation service for your budget — compare ZenBusiness, Northwest, Incfile, LegalZoom, and more. Many include free EIN filing.
Compare Services →LLC Formation Guide
Complete step-by-step guide to forming an LLC — requirements, costs, operating agreements, and all 50 states.
Read the guide →Corporation Formation Guide
C-Corp and S-Corp incorporation — stock structure, bylaws, Delaware vs. home state, and tax considerations.
Read the guide →Get EIN Online — FAQ
Quick answers to the most common questions about the online EIN application.
How much does an EIN cost?
$0 — completely free. The IRS never charges for an EIN. Any website charging $50–$300 is simply filling out the same free form on your behalf. Apply directly at IRS.gov and save your money.
How long does it take to get an EIN online?
About 5 minutes to complete the application. Your EIN is issued instantly on screen upon submission. You can use it immediately for banking, hiring, and tax purposes. The official CP 575 letter arrives by mail in 4–6 weeks.
When is the IRS EIN online application available?
Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time. The system is unavailable on weekends and federal holidays. If you need an EIN outside these hours, you’ll need to use the fax or mail methods (Form SS-4).
Can I get an EIN online without an SSN?
No. The online application requires the responsible party to have an SSN or ITIN. If you’re a non-US resident without either, apply by fax (4 business days) or phone at (267) 941-1099 (issued during the call). You don’t need a US address or visa.
Do I need an EIN for a single-member LLC?
It’s not required by the IRS if you have no employees — you can use your SSN. But it’s strongly recommended because most banks require an EIN to open a business account, it keeps your SSN off invoices and W-9 forms, and it builds business credit separately from personal credit.
Can I apply for an EIN before forming my LLC?
No. Your entity must be legally formed and approved by the state first. The IRS validates your entity information during the application. Form your LLC → receive state approval → then apply for your EIN.
I lost my EIN. How do I find it?
Check your original confirmation page (CP 575), your most recent tax return, or your bank account opening documents. You can also call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933 (US) or (267) 941-1099 (international) — they can look it up after verifying your identity.
Does my EIN ever expire?
No. Once issued, an EIN is permanent. It never expires and is never reissued to another entity — even if your business closes. If you start a new business, you need a new EIN.
Related Guides
Complete EIN / Tax ID Guide
Everything about EINs — who needs one, entity-specific guidance, international tax IDs, and post-EIN steps.
Read the full guide →BOI Filing Guide
After your EIN, file your beneficial ownership report with FinCEN. Free to file, required for most entities.
Read the guide →Registered Agent Guide
Your registered agent and EIN are both required for formation. Make sure you have both covered.
Read the guide →Get Your Free EIN in 5 Minutes
No fee. No signup. No third-party service. Just you and the IRS — done in 5 minutes.
100% free • Instant approval • Mon–Fri 7 AM – 10 PM ET
