EIN application through the IRS
Apply directly to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for a free employer identification number (EIN). Eligible domestic organizations can use the online application. Have the entity and responsible-party information ready, finish in one session, and save the confirmation letter after approval.
Who can apply for an EIN online?
The IRS tool is for eligible domestic organizations formed in the United States or its territories, with a principal business location there. You must be the responsible party controlling the entity or an authorized representative.
The online process requires the responsible party’s Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number. An EIN generally cannot stand in for that identifying number in the online application. Applicants outside the tool’s eligibility use the IRS alternative application routes.
Should I form an LLC before applying for the EIN?
If creating a corporation or LLC, form the entity before applying for its EIN. This lets you give the IRS the entity’s actual legal information. An EIN identifies the entity for federal tax purposes; obtaining it does not create the organization.
If you already have an EIN and the business has changed, review the IRS rules on whether a new EIN is needed. Do not apply again simply because you cannot find the original confirmation letter.
What information do I need for an EIN application?
Prepare the business entity type, legal name, and the information requested about the organization and its responsible party. A third-party designee needs signed authority to apply. Check those details before opening the timed session.
Answer the questions for the actual entity and purpose. The application is not a substitute for deciding which business structure you formed. Keep the responsible-party identifying information available so an interrupted search for it does not expire the session.
More free tools from DIMA Tools
YouTube Downloader
PDF Converter
Image Resizer
QR Code GeneratorHow much does an EIN cost?
The IRS does not charge an EIN application fee. A commercial website charging for help is selling its own service. You can use the IRS application directly without paying such a preparation charge.
The daily application limit is one EIN per responsible party. If you encounter a problem, read the IRS response before starting another application for the same entity.
When is the online EIN application available?
The IRS lists these Eastern Time hours: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day; Saturday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 6 p.m. to midnight. The service is not continuously available throughout the week.
Complete the application in one session. It cannot be saved and expires after 15 minutes of inactivity. If the service is unavailable outside its posted hours, retry during an available period rather than assuming you need a paid provider.
How do I get the EIN confirmation?
If the online application is approved, the IRS issues the EIN immediately. Save or print the confirmation letter for the organization’s records before leaving the session.
Keep the number and letter separate from an application draft. A confirmation from another website is not necessarily an IRS-issued EIN. If you cannot use the online tool, follow the IRS phone, fax, or mail instructions for Form SS-4 and the applicable processing route.
FAQ
Is an EIN the same as forming an LLC?
No. The IRS tells corporations and LLCs to form the entity first, then apply for its EIN.
Can I save an unfinished online EIN application?
No. Complete it in one session; the application cannot be saved for later.