How to Apply for a Tax ID (EIN)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is the federal tax ID the IRS uses to identify your business — similar to how a Social Security Number identifies a person. Most businesses need one to file taxes, open a business bank account, hire employees, or apply for financing. You can apply directly through the IRS at no cost.

An EIN — short for Employer Identification Number — is a 9-digit number the IRS assigns to identify a business for federal tax purposes. It works the way a Social Security Number works for an individual. The IRS uses it to track your business's tax filings, payroll obligations, and financial activity.

You'll need an EIN to open a business bank account, file business tax returns, run payroll, and apply for business credit or loans. Many banks and lenders won't work with a business that doesn't have one. Even if you're not hiring employees right away, getting an EIN early keeps your Social Security Number off business documents — which is worth doing.

Most businesses need an EIN. The IRS requires one for corporations, partnerships, LLCs taxed as corporations or partnerships, and any business that hires employees. If your business withholds taxes on income paid to non-resident aliens, or if you're opening a business bank account, you'll need an EIN regardless of your structure.

The one exception is a sole proprietor with no employees who uses only their Social Security Number for all business activity. That setup works, but it means your personal SSN appears on every business document — invoices, bank forms, vendor agreements. Most sole proprietors get an EIN anyway to keep their personal number private.

Single-member LLCs are a common point of confusion. The IRS treats a single-member LLC as a disregarded entity by default, but the LLC still needs its own EIN if it has employees or if you want to open a dedicated business bank account.

Before you start the application, gather the details the IRS will ask for. Having everything ready means you can finish the online application in one sitting — the IRS system times out if you leave it open too long.

Here's what you'll need:

- The legal name of your business as registered with the state

- Your business's mailing address

- The legal structure of your business (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.)

- The name and Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) of the responsible party — the person who controls the business

- The reason you're applying (starting a new business, hiring employees, opening a bank account, etc.)

- The date your business started or was acquired

The responsible party must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number — an SSN, ITIN, or existing EIN — to complete the application. If you're applying on behalf of a business you didn't personally form, check the IRS guidance on third-party designees before you start.

The online application through the IRS EIN Assistant is the fastest option — your EIN is issued immediately when the application is approved, and you can download a confirmation letter as a PDF right away. The application is free and takes about 15 minutes if you have your information ready.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Go to irs.gov/ein. The IRS EIN Assistant is the official application tool. The online system is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM – 10 PM ET.

Step 2: Select your business structure. The application walks you through a series of questions to confirm your eligibility and collect the required details. Choose the structure that matches how your business is legally organized.

Step 3: Enter your business information. You'll provide your business's legal name, address, the responsible party's name and SSN or ITIN, and the reason you're applying.

Step 4: Submit and download your EIN. Once the IRS processes your application, your EIN appears on screen. Download the confirmation letter — you'll need it for your records and for opening a bank account.

One thing to know: the IRS limits online EIN applications to 1 per responsible party per day. If you're forming multiple businesses, plan accordingly.

If you can't use the online application — or prefer not to — you can apply by fax or mail using IRS Form SS-4. Fax applications take about 4 business days. Mail applications take about 4 weeks. Both methods are free.

Download Form SS-4 from irs.gov and complete all required fields. The form asks for the same information as the online application: business name, address, structure, responsible party details, and reason for applying.

For fax, send the completed Form SS-4 to the IRS fax number for your state. The IRS will fax your EIN back to you within 4 business days. For mail, send the form to the IRS address listed in the Form SS-4 instructions — the correct address depends on where your business is located.

International applicants who don't have a U.S. SSN or ITIN can apply by phone by calling the IRS at 267-941-1099 (not a toll-free number), Monday through Friday, 6 AM – 11 PM ET.

Your EIN is active as soon as the IRS issues it. You don't need to wait for anything else before putting it to use. Most business owners have a short list of things to take care of right after getting their EIN — and the order matters.

Open a business bank account. This is the most time-sensitive step. Banks require your EIN to open a business checking account, and keeping your business and personal finances separate is one of the most important things you can do to protect your personal assets.

File your business taxes. Your EIN goes on every federal business tax return. If your LLC is taxed as a partnership or S corporation, you'll also need it for payroll tax filings.

Set up payroll if you're hiring. Your EIN is required to register for payroll taxes, withhold federal income tax, and file employment tax returns with the IRS.

Apply for business credit or licenses. Lenders, vendors, and licensing agencies will ask for your EIN. Having it on hand speeds up applications for business credit cards, lines of credit, and any permits your business needs.

A few things trip people up during the EIN application that are worth knowing before you start. None of them are complicated, but catching them early saves time.

Match your business name exactly. The legal name you enter on the EIN application needs to match the name on your formation documents — your Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation. Even small differences can cause problems with the IRS later.

Don't apply before your business is formed. If you're forming an LLC or corporation, get your state formation documents approved first. The IRS will ask for your business's legal structure and formation date. Applying before the state has processed your formation can create a mismatch in your records.

Save your EIN confirmation letter. The IRS issues a CP 575 notice as your official EIN confirmation. Banks and lenders often ask for this document. If you apply online, download the PDF immediately — the IRS doesn't automatically mail a copy for online applications.

If you lose your EIN, you can find it on a previously filed tax return, a bank statement, or by calling the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933.