Key takeaways. You get an EIN from the IRS for free. A US-formed LLC whose responsible party has an SSN or ITIN can apply online and usually receives the number at the end of the session. The IRS says fax takes about four business days and mail about four weeks, and it issues one EIN per responsible party per day.
The application process to get an EIN for your LLC is easy, but the preparation is tricky, as the IRS requires specific information to approve your application.
Fortunately, most of it is available since you register your LLC before applying.
In this post, I’ll explain the information you need, why the IRS might deny your application, and how to reduce the chance of that happening.
So, when you finish reading, you’ll know how to get an EIN for your LLC and avoid annoying delays.
What is an EIN?
An EIN is also called a FEIN (federal employer identification number) or federal tax ID. Some states issue separate state tax ID numbers.
Government abbreviations can be confusing, so here’s a quick clarification.
The IRS issues an EIN upon request to identify your business for tax purposes. You’ll also need an EIN to hire employees, file your LLC tax returns, apply for specific licenses and permits, get a business credit line, and sometimes open a business bank account.
Who needs an EIN?
A single-member LLC without employees and no excise tax liability generally isn’t required by the IRS to have an EIN. Instead, like with a sole proprietorship, the owner uses their Social Security number for tax filing.
A bank or your state may still ask for one.
Regardless of your LLC type, the IRS says you must get an EIN if any of these apply to you.
- Have employees
- Operate as a multi-member LLC, partnership, or corporation
- Are liable for excise tax by selling alcohol, tobacco, fuel, and other goods and services
- Withhold taxes on income for nonresident aliens
- Have a Keogh plan
- Are involved with specific types of organizations like trusts, estates, nonprofits, or farmers’ cooperatives
Benefits of an EIN
Not every LLC needs an EIN, but getting one can benefit your business in several ways.
- Prevent identity theft: Using an EIN instead of your Social Security Number (SSN) minimizes identity theft risk. Safeguarding your personal information and reducing the chances of fraudulent activities.
- Adds credibility to your business: An EIN can add to the business credibility of single-member LLCs, freelancers, and contractors, as it shows you run a legitimate venture rather than a side project.
- Speed up business loan applications: Lenders often require an EIN to evaluate the reliability and trustworthiness of your business; having one in hand can speed up your loan application process.
- Established business credit: An EIN can help establish a separate business credit profile and a solid credit history for your business, which can lead to more funding options and better interest rates.
- Open a business bank account: Not all banks require an EIN to open one, but many do; having an EIN gives you more options when choosing a bank.
- Build trust with vendors: Vendors and suppliers often prefer doing business with people who have an EIN, as it shows your legitimacy as a business entity.
- Easier employee hiring: You might not have employees now, but hopefully, you’ll need them later; having an EIN allows you to set up a payroll system without delays.
How to get an EIN step by step
Before applying for your EIN, you must form your LLC with your secretary of state. The IRS advises forming your entity before you apply.
If your preferred business name isn’t available, you can register your LLC using a formal name and do business using a DBA (doing business as).
Next, you must ensure you’re eligible for an EIN and have the correct information.
To apply online, your business must be formed in the US or a US territory, and the responsible party needs an SSN or ITIN. International applicants can apply by phone, fax or mail instead.
You’ll need the following information to get an EIN.
- The legal name of the entity: Your LLC`s legal name as it appears on official documents.
- DBA name (if applicable): If you operate under a different name than your legal name, you may need to provide your “doing business as” (DBA) name.
- Mailing address: The address where you want to receive IRS mail. This can be, but doesn’t have to be, your LLC’s registered agent’s address.
- Physical address (if different): If your business has a physical location separate from your registered agent’s address.
- Entity type: The type of LLC you registered.
- Reason for applying: Specify the reason you are applying for an EIN, such as starting a new business, hiring employees, opening a bank account, or for tax filing purposes.
- Responsible party information: Provide the details of the individual accountable for the entity’s operations and finances, including their name and Social Security number (SSN) or ITIN.
- Date the business started: Your official LLC starting date or when you bought an existing business.
Once you know you’re eligible to get an EIN and have the necessary information, you can begin the application process.
Here’s how to get an EIN for your LLC. Your first step is choosing how you’ll apply:
Step 1: Choose how you’ll apply for your EIN
- Online: The easiest way to get an EIN for your LLC is to apply online using the online EIN application on the IRS website. You typically receive your EIN at the end of the session. The online application is available Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. (next day), Saturday 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 6 p.m. to midnight, Eastern Time (IRS, checked Nov 10, 2026; hours can change).
- Mail: Download and complete Form SS-4 and mail it to “Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999” if you’re a US applicant (IRS; international applicants use a different address). The IRS says you’ll get your EIN in approximately 4 weeks.
- Fax: US applicants complete Form SS-4 and send it to (855) 641-6935 (IRS; international applicants use a different fax number). The IRS says it will fax your EIN back in about 4 business days.
- By telephone (international applicants only): International applicants can call the IRS at 267-941-1099, Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time (IRS, checked Nov 10, 2026), or apply by fax or mail.
Step 2: Select your entity type
Here’s where you’ll choose the type of LLC you have, for instance, (single or multi-member LLC), provide how many members there are, and identify the state where you registered your business.
Step 3: Designate your responsible party
Next, the IRS will ask about the designated party applying for the EIN.
Usually, it’s one of the LLC’s founding members. The Form SS-4 instructions define the responsible party as the person who has final ownership or control of the entity. A third-party designee is a separate role: someone you authorize to complete the application, whose authority ends once the EIN is assigned.
The responsible party must be a person, not an entity, and for an online application must have an SSN or ITIN. If the responsible party changes, report it to the IRS on Form 8822-B within 60 days (Form 8822-B, Rev. December 2019). Address changes go on the same form.
Step 4: Provide the correct information
When applying online, you can’t save your information or return to a previous page, and your session expires after 15 minutes of inactivity (IRS), so ensure you have the information you need.
Here’s a quick recap of what the online form asks for.
- Type of entity, such as a foreign, single, or multi-member LLC
- The type of business you’re in
- Your business name
- The name and identification number of the person applying
- Mailing and physical address
- State of registration
- Your reason for applying for an EIN
- Your LLC’s formation date
- Number of employees
Step 5: Choose how to receive your EIN confirmation
The IRS will ask how you want to receive your EIN during the online application process.
You can receive it online for immediate download and print options or opt for mail delivery.
If you apply by mail or fax, that’s how you’ll receive your EIN confirmation letter.
IRS EIN Assistance:
You can find the instructions for completing the Form SS-4 on the IRS website.
And if you’d like to speak with someone, call the IRS “Business and Specialty Tax Line” at 1-800-829-4933 from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm local time, Monday through Friday (IRS, checked Nov 10, 2026).
Why the IRS might deny your application and how to fix it
Applying for an EIN is usually a straightforward process, but there are reasons why the IRS will reject your application.
Here are the most common ones and how to fix them.
Responsible party conflict:
The IRS issues only one EIN per responsible party per day, whether you apply online, by phone, fax or mail. If you hit this limit, wait until the next day.
Existing EIN:
The IRS says “a business entity should have only one EIN,” so don’t apply for a second one for the same LLC.
You may need a new EIN when ownership or structure changes, for example if you change from a sole proprietorship to an LLC with more than one member.
Conclusion
And now you know how to get an EIN for your LLC.
Even so, take it slow and follow the steps to avoid clerical errors that could result in denial, especially when applying online.
And select the right entity type, have your information handy, and ensure whoever’s applying is eligible.
FAQ
It depends on whether the LLC plans on hiring employees, needs a business bank account, is liable for excise tax, or wants a business credit profile. Many LLCs get one for the benefits listed above.
No, only the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can assign an EIN. You apply through the IRS online, by fax or by mail, or by phone if you’re an international applicant, and the IRS doesn’t charge for it.
You can apply online, by mail, or by fax if you’re in the U.S. and by phone if you’re outside the U.S.
Choose only one method so you don’t end up with more than one EIN for the same LLC.
Getting an EIN from the IRS is free. Some services charge to prepare and submit the application for you. Oh, and if you apply by mail, you pay for the stamp!
Generally few, though once you have employees an EIN comes with IRS employment tax filings. If you’re unsure, ask a tax professional before you apply.
No, if you forget your EIN contact the IRS through their business and specialty tax line at 800-829-4933 (IRS), and they’ll recover it for you.
The quickest way to get an EIN is through the online application process, which usually gives you the number at the end of the session.
If you apply online, you typically get the number at the end of the session (IRS). Ask the bank or agency you’re working with whether it also needs your confirmation notice.
You generally need a new EIN when your business structure or ownership changes. A name change, a move or an S corporation election typically doesn’t require one, but a sole proprietor’s bankruptcy does, according to the IRS.