EIN / Tax ID Numbers: How to Get Your Business Tax ID
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID — the equivalent of a Social Security Number for your company. It’s free from the IRS, takes 5 minutes to get online, and is required for banking, hiring, and filing taxes. This guide covers the US EIN and tax ID equivalents worldwide.
What Is an EIN?
An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique nine-digit number (formatted XX-XXXXXXX) assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to identify your business entity for tax purposes. It’s also called a Federal Tax Identification Number, Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), or simply Tax ID Number.
Think of it as your business’s Social Security Number. Every time your business files a tax return, opens a bank account, applies for a license, hires an employee, or enters a financial transaction that requires identification, it uses the EIN.
EIN vs. SSN vs. ITIN
A Social Security Number (SSN) identifies an individual US citizen or permanent resident. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) identifies a non-resident or resident alien who doesn’t qualify for an SSN. An EIN identifies a business entity — LLC, corporation, partnership, nonprofit, estate, or trust. Sole proprietors can use their SSN for business, but getting a separate EIN is strongly recommended to protect your personal information.
Who Needs an EIN?
Most businesses need one. Here’s when it’s required and when it’s optional but recommended.
✓ Required
- LLCs with more than one member — multi-member LLCs are taxed as partnerships and must have an EIN
- All corporations — C-Corps, S-Corps, and nonprofit corporations
- Any business that hires employees — required for payroll tax withholding
- Businesses that file excise tax returns — alcohol, tobacco, firearms, etc.
- Estates and trusts — any entity that files its own tax return
- Nonprofits applying for 501(c)(3) — required before filing Form 1023
→ Recommended
- Single-member LLCs — not required (can use SSN) but keeps your SSN off business documents
- Sole proprietors without employees — can use SSN but an EIN adds professionalism and privacy
- Freelancers and contractors — use an EIN on W-9 forms instead of your SSN
- Opening a business bank account — some banks require an EIN even for sole proprietors
- Building business credit — business credit bureaus track your EIN, not your SSN
- Anyone who wants privacy — EIN keeps your SSN out of client and vendor paperwork
Our recommendation: Get an EIN even if you’re not required to. It’s free, takes 5 minutes online, and keeps your Social Security Number off invoices, W-9 forms, contractor agreements, and bank applications. There’s no downside to having one — and significant privacy and professionalism benefits.
How to Apply for an EIN — Step by Step
Three ways to apply. Online is fastest — you get your EIN immediately.
Online (Recommended)
- Cost: Free
- Processing: Instant — EIN issued immediately
- Availability: Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 10 PM ET
- Who can apply: US-based applicants with an SSN or ITIN
- Where: IRS.gov EIN Assistant
Fax (Form SS-4)
- Cost: Free
- Processing: 4 business days
- Who can apply: US and international applicants
- Where: Fax completed Form SS-4 to IRS
- Response: EIN faxed back to your number
Mail (Form SS-4)
- Cost: Free
- Processing: 4–6 weeks
- Who can apply: US and international applicants
- Where: Mail Form SS-4 to the IRS
- Response: CP 575 notice mailed to your address
Online EIN Application Walkthrough
What to expect when you apply on IRS.gov — the whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Select Entity Type
Choose your entity type — LLC, corporation, S-corporation, partnership, sole proprietor, nonprofit, estate, or trust. This determines which tax forms you’ll file and how the IRS classifies your entity.
Identify the Responsible Party
The IRS requires a “responsible party” — a real person (not an entity) who controls or manages the business. Enter their name, SSN or ITIN, and title. For a single-member LLC, this is you. For a corporation, it’s typically the president or CEO.
Enter Business Details
Legal name of the entity (must match your formation documents exactly), trade name/DBA (if different), mailing address, state of formation, date business started, and primary business activity.
Answer Tax Questions
Expected number of employees (enter 0 if none), expected date of first payroll (if applicable), highest number of employees expected in the next 12 months, and reason for applying (started new business, hired employees, banking, etc.).
Review & Submit
Review all information for accuracy — especially the legal name and entity type. Errors require filing Form 8822-B to correct later. Once submitted, the system validates your information against IRS records.
Receive Your EIN Instantly
Your EIN is displayed on screen immediately after submission. Print or save the confirmation (CP 575 notice equivalent). The official CP 575 letter arrives by mail in 4–6 weeks — but you can use the EIN immediately for banking and business purposes.
Important: The online application times out after 15 minutes of inactivity and you cannot save progress. Have your formation documents, responsible party’s SSN, and business address ready before starting. If the session times out, you must start over from the beginning.
How to Get an EIN Without a Social Security Number
Non-US citizens and non-residents can absolutely get an EIN — you don’t need an SSN or even a US address. This is essential for international entrepreneurs who form a US LLC or corporation.
Option 1: Apply by Fax (Fastest for Non-Residents)
Complete IRS Form SS-4, leave the SSN/ITIN field blank (or enter your ITIN if you have one), and fax it to the IRS. Include a cover letter explaining that you’re a foreign applicant without an SSN and include your return fax number. The IRS typically responds within 4 business days with your EIN.
Option 2: Apply by Phone
Call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at (267) 941-1099 (not a toll-free number). This line handles international EIN applications. Hours are Monday–Friday, 6 AM–11 PM ET. The IRS agent will walk you through the SS-4 questions and issue your EIN during the call. Have your formation documents ready.
Option 3: Apply by Mail
Mail completed Form SS-4 to the IRS. Processing takes 4–6 weeks. This is the slowest option and only recommended if fax and phone aren’t available. Use this address: Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN International Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999.
Why You Can’t Apply Online
The IRS online EIN application requires the responsible party to have an SSN or ITIN. Since most non-resident entrepreneurs don’t have either, the online tool isn’t available. The fax and phone methods are the standard workarounds used by international LLC and corporation owners.
EIN Specifics by Entity Type
Different entities have different EIN requirements and considerations.
Single-Member LLC
Not required if you have no employees — the IRS treats your LLC as a “disregarded entity” and you report on Schedule C using your SSN. However, most banks require an EIN to open a business account, and using an EIN keeps your SSN private. Apply as a “Limited Liability Company” with one member.
Multi-Member LLC
Required. Multi-member LLCs file Form 1065 (partnership return) and issue K-1s to each member. The EIN is used on the partnership return and for payroll if the LLC has employees. Apply as a “Limited Liability Company” with two or more members.
Corporation (C or S)
Required. C-Corps file Form 1120, S-Corps file Form 1120-S. The EIN is used on all corporate tax filings, payroll, banking, and investor paperwork. If electing S-Corp status, you’ll need the EIN to file Form 2553. Apply as a “Corporation.”
Nonprofit
Required before applying for 501(c)(3) status. You’ll enter the EIN on Form 1023 or 1023-EZ. The EIN is also used for Form 990 annual filings, payroll, and donor acknowledgment letters. Apply as a “Church or Church-Controlled Organization” or “Other Nonprofit.”
Sole Proprietor
Only required if you hire employees or file excise tax returns. Otherwise, use your SSN on Schedule C. Getting an EIN is still recommended — it keeps your SSN off W-9 forms, invoices, and business applications. Apply as a “Sole Proprietor.”
Partnership
Required. Partnerships file Form 1065 and issue K-1s to partners. Each partner reports their share on their personal return. The partnership EIN is separate from each partner’s SSN. Apply as a “Partnership.”
Common EIN Situations & Questions
Do I Need a New EIN If I Change My Business Structure?
Sometimes. You need a new EIN if you incorporate a sole proprietorship, convert an LLC to a corporation (or vice versa), create a new partnership, or become a subsidiary of a corporation. You do not need a new EIN if you change your business name, change your address, add a DBA, or change the responsible party. File Form 8822-B to update name, address, or responsible party changes.
I Lost My EIN — How Do I Find It?
Check the confirmation notice (CP 575) you received when you applied. Check your most recent tax return — the EIN is on every return. Check your bank account opening documents — the bank recorded your EIN. 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.
Can I Have Multiple EINs?
Each entity gets its own EIN. If you have an LLC and a corporation, they each have separate EINs. A sole proprietor can have one EIN for their sole proprietorship. However, a single entity should only have one EIN — if you accidentally applied twice, use the first one issued and discard the second.
Does My EIN Expire?
No. Once issued, an EIN is permanent — it never expires and is never reissued to another entity. Even if your business closes, the EIN remains assigned to that entity in IRS records. If you start a new business, you need a new EIN — you can’t reuse an old one.
Beware of Third-Party EIN Services
Numerous websites charge $50–$300 to “help you get an EIN.” The IRS issues EINs for free. These third-party services simply fill out the same form you’d fill out yourself and charge a markup. Unless you need an EIN as part of a broader formation package (where the service also files your LLC or corporation), there’s no reason to pay someone for an EIN.
Tax ID Numbers Around the World
Every country has its own business identification system. Here are the equivalents in major jurisdictions.
United States
EIN (Employer Identification Number). 9 digits (XX-XXXXXXX). Free from IRS. Instant online. Required for entities, employees, banking.
United Kingdom
UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference). 10 digits. Issued by HMRC for tax filing. Company Number from Companies House for entity identification. VAT Number if turnover exceeds £90,000.
France
SIREN (9 digits) identifies the company. SIRET (14 digits) identifies each establishment. Numéro de TVA for VAT. Issued by INSEE upon registration at the CFE or Guichet Unique.
Germany
Steuernummer (tax number) from the Finanzamt. USt-IdNr (VAT ID) for intra-EU transactions. Handelsregisternummer (HRB/HRA) from the local court commercial register.
Canada
BN (Business Number). 9 digits from CRA. Used for corporate tax, GST/HST, payroll, and import/export. Free to register. Corporation Number from Corporations Canada for federal corps.
Singapore
UEN (Unique Entity Number). Assigned by ACRA upon incorporation. Used for all government transactions, tax filings, and regulatory compliance. Format varies by entity type.
UAE
TRN (Tax Registration Number). 15 digits from the Federal Tax Authority. Required for VAT registration (mandatory above AED 375,000 revenue). Trade License Number from the free zone or DED.
Australia
ABN (Australian Business Number). 11 digits from the ATO. Free to register. Required for invoicing, GST, and government dealings. TFN (Tax File Number) for income tax purposes.
Operating across borders? You’ll need tax identification in every jurisdiction where your business has a tax presence. A US LLC operating in the UK needs both an EIN and a UTR. A French SAS selling to German customers needs a SIREN and a German USt-IdNr for VAT. Our country guides cover the specific tax registration requirements for each jurisdiction.
What to Do After Getting Your EIN
Your EIN unlocks the next steps in setting up your business.
Open a Business Bank Account
Take your EIN confirmation, formation documents (Articles of Organization or Incorporation), and operating agreement or bylaws to the bank. Most banks also require government-issued ID for the account signer.
Set Up Payroll (If Hiring)
Your EIN is required to register with your state’s tax and unemployment agencies, set up payroll withholding, and file quarterly payroll returns (Form 941). Sign up for a payroll service (Gusto, ADP, QuickBooks Payroll).
File BOI Report
Report your beneficial owners to FinCEN. You’ll reference your EIN on the BOI report. Filing is free and required for most LLCs and corporations. BOI filing guide →
Apply for Licenses & Permits
Many business license applications require your EIN. Check federal, state, and local requirements for your industry. Business licenses guide →
Register for State Taxes
Register with your state’s Department of Revenue for income tax withholding, sales tax collection (if selling taxable goods), and unemployment insurance. Your EIN is required for all state tax registrations.
Build Business Credit
Your EIN is the foundation of your business credit profile. Register with Dun & Bradstreet (free DUNS number), open business credit cards and vendor accounts, and pay on time. Business credit is tracked separately from your personal credit.
Related Guides & Resources
Continue setting up your business after getting your EIN.
Registered Agent Guide
Your EIN and registered agent are both required for formation. If you haven’t designated an agent yet, do it before or at the same time as getting your EIN.
Read the guide →BOI Filing Guide
After getting your EIN, file your Beneficial Ownership Information report with FinCEN. Free to file, required for most entities.
Read the guide →Annual Reports Guide
Calendar your first annual report deadline immediately after formation. Missing it can cost you penalties or good standing.
Read the guide →Business Banking Guide
Your EIN unlocks business banking. Learn which documents you need, which banks are best for startups, and how to separate personal and business finances.
Read the guide →LLC Formation Guide
Getting your EIN is Step 6 in LLC formation. If you haven’t formed your entity yet, start here — you need a formed entity before applying for an EIN.
Read the guide →LLC vs. S-Corp
Once you have your EIN, you can elect S-Corp taxation by filing Form 2553. Read when the S-Corp election makes financial sense.
Read the comparison →EIN / Tax ID FAQ
Quick answers to the most common EIN questions.
How much does an EIN cost?
Free. The IRS issues EINs at no charge. Any website charging $50–$300 for an EIN is simply filling out the same free form and adding a markup. Apply directly at IRS.gov (online), by fax, or by mail. The only reason to pay is if the EIN is bundled with a broader formation service that also files your LLC or corporation.
How long does it take to get an EIN?
Online: instant — your EIN is issued immediately upon submission. Fax: approximately 4 business days. Mail: 4–6 weeks. Phone (international applicants only): issued during the call. Always apply online if you can — it’s fastest and you get the number on the spot.
Can I apply for an EIN before forming my LLC?
No. You need a legally formed entity first. The IRS verifies your entity information during the application. If your LLC hasn’t been approved by the state yet, the application may be rejected. Form your entity, wait for state approval, then apply for the EIN.
Can a non-US citizen get an EIN?
Yes. Non-US citizens and non-residents can obtain an EIN by fax (Form SS-4), phone (267-941-1099), or mail. The online application requires an SSN or ITIN, so it’s not available to most international applicants. You don’t need a US address, visa, or residency — just a formed US entity.
Do I need a new EIN if I change my business name?
No. Changing your business name does not require a new EIN. File Form 8822-B with the IRS to update the name associated with your EIN. Also notify your state’s Secretary of State by filing an amendment to your formation documents.
Can I use my SSN instead of an EIN?
Only if you’re a sole proprietor or single-member LLC with no employees. Multi-member LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits must have an EIN. Even if you can use your SSN, we recommend getting an EIN for privacy — it keeps your Social Security Number off W-9 forms, invoices, and business documents.
What’s the difference between an EIN and a state tax ID?
An EIN is a federal number from the IRS — used for federal tax purposes. A state tax ID is issued by your state’s Department of Revenue — used for state income tax withholding, sales tax, and unemployment insurance. You may need both. Some states use your federal EIN as your state ID; others issue a separate number.
I got an EIN but never used it. What do I do?
If you obtained an EIN but never opened a bank account, hired employees, or filed tax returns, write to the IRS requesting closure of the account. The EIN itself will never be reissued or reassigned — it stays permanently tied to that entity. If you plan to use the entity in the future, you can simply start using the EIN when ready.
Ready to Get Your EIN?
Form your LLC or corporation first, then apply for your free EIN from the IRS. The whole process takes less than an hour.
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