Step-by-step guide to applying for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS, including when you need one, how to apply, and what to do after receiving it.
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Determine If You Need an EIN
Check if your business structure requires an EIN
All LLCs with more than one member, corporations, and partnerships must have an EIN. Single-member LLCs can use the owner's SSN but benefit from having a separate EIN for banking and privacy purposes.
Determine if your business activities require an EIN
You need an EIN if you hire employees, operate as a corporation or partnership, file excise tax returns, or withhold taxes on non-wage income. Even sole proprietors need one if they have a Keogh or solo 401(k) retirement plan.
Check if you need a new EIN for an existing business
You need a new EIN when you change your business structure (e.g., sole proprietorship to LLC), take on a new partner, or purchase an existing business. A name change alone does not require a new EIN.
Gather Required Information
Have the responsible party's SSN or ITIN ready
The 'responsible party' is the person who owns or controls the entity — typically the sole owner, a general partner, or a principal officer. The IRS requires one individual as the responsible party; another business entity cannot serve in this role.
Know your legal business name and trade name
Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on your formation documents. If you use a DBA (trade name), you can add that separately. The name on your EIN must match your tax returns exactly.
Determine your business entity type for the application
Options include sole proprietor, partnership, corporation, S corporation, LLC, and several others. Your entity type affects how the IRS assigns your default tax classification. Choose carefully — changing it later requires filing additional forms.
Know the reason you are applying
The IRS asks why you need an EIN. Common reasons include starting a new business, hiring employees, opening a bank account, or changing your organization type. Your answer does not affect processing but must be truthful.
Have your business address and formation date ready
Use the physical address where your business is located, not a P.O. box. If you work from home, use your home address. The formation date is when you legally created the entity, not when you started operating.
Submit Your Application
Apply online through the IRS website (recommended)
The online application at irs.gov is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM Eastern Time. You receive your EIN immediately upon completion. The entire process takes about 10-15 minutes.
Go to irs.gov and search for 'Apply for an EIN Online'
Complete all sections of the online interview
Save or print your EIN confirmation notice (CP 575)
Use Form SS-4 if applying by mail or fax (alternative)
Fax applications to the appropriate IRS office and expect your EIN within 4 business days. Mail applications take 4-5 weeks. International applicants without a U.S. address must call the IRS at 267-941-1099.
Verify your EIN was assigned correctly
Double-check that the EIN confirmation notice shows the correct legal name, entity type, and address. Errors on the initial assignment require a correction letter to the IRS, which can take 4-6 weeks to process.
After Receiving Your EIN
Store your EIN confirmation notice (CP 575) securely
Keep both a digital and physical copy. Banks, state agencies, and the IRS may request this notice for years. If you lose it, you can call the IRS Business Tax Line at 800-829-4933 to verify your number, but they will not reissue CP 575.
Open a business bank account using your new EIN
Most banks require your EIN confirmation letter (CP 575), Articles of Organization or Incorporation, and a government-issued photo ID. Call ahead to confirm requirements — some banks also need your operating agreement.
Register for state tax accounts using your EIN
Your state Department of Revenue uses your federal EIN as a reference when setting up state tax accounts. Register for income tax withholding, sales tax, and unemployment insurance as applicable to your business.
Update your EIN on all business documents and accounts
Add your EIN to your invoices, W-9 forms, contracts, and any accounts that previously used your SSN. This protects your personal Social Security number from unnecessary exposure.
Set up your IRS online account for business tax management
Create an account at irs.gov to view your tax records, make payments, and manage your account online. You can also sign up for the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) to schedule tax payments in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an EIN the same as a tax ID number?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is one type of federal tax ID, specifically for businesses. Individuals use their Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as their tax ID. Sole proprietors without employees can use their SSN for business taxes, but getting a separate EIN (free from IRS.gov) protects your SSN from appearing on invoices, W-9 forms, and public business filings.
How fast can I get an EIN?
Applying online at IRS.gov takes about 10 minutes, and you receive your EIN immediately upon completion. The online application is available Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern. Fax applications (Form SS-4) take about 4 business days. Mail applications take 4-6 weeks. International applicants without a U.S. SSN must apply by phone at (267) 941-1099, which operates 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern.
Can I apply for an EIN before my LLC is approved?
Technically yes — the IRS does not verify state registration during the EIN application. However, the EIN will be linked to whatever legal name and entity type you enter. If your LLC formation is rejected or you change the name, you will need to contact the IRS to update the records, which can take weeks. Waiting until your state filing is approved avoids this hassle.
Do I need a new EIN if I change my business structure?
It depends on the change. Converting a sole proprietorship to an LLC or a partnership to a corporation requires a new EIN. Changing your business name or address does not — you notify the IRS by filing your next return under the new name or by sending a letter to your assigned IRS campus. Adding an S-Corp election (Form 2553) also keeps your existing EIN.
What happens if I lose my EIN?
Call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933, available Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. The agent will verify your identity and provide the EIN over the phone. You can also find it on previously filed tax returns, your bank account application, or the original CP 575 confirmation letter the IRS mailed after issuance.