How to Get an EIN for Free (2026): Step-by-Step IRS Guide
Last verified: May 2026. EIN application process confirmed from IRS.gov/FormSS4 and IRS Instructions for Form SS-4 (Rev. December 2025).
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a 9-digit tax ID the IRS assigns to your LLC, formatted as XX-XXXXXXX. It functions like a Social Security Number for your business. You need one to open a business bank account, hire employees, file certain tax returns, and apply for business licenses. Many entrepreneurs pay $49 to $79 to third-party services to "get" an EIN. That is unnecessary. The IRS provides EINs at no cost, and the online process is straightforward enough to complete in one browser session.
This guide covers exactly what to do at each step of the online application, what the fax and mail alternatives look like, what to do if something goes wrong, and the specific situations where you actually need an EIN versus when you can skip it for now.
What's on this page
- Do you actually need an EIN right now?
- Three ways to apply: online, fax, mail compared
- Step-by-step: the IRS online EIN application
- Applying by fax or mail (Form SS-4)
- Non-US residents: your application options
- What to do immediately after receiving your EIN
- Common mistakes and how to fix them
- When you do NOT need an EIN yet
- FAQ
Want Your EIN Handled With Your LLC Formation?
Northwest Registered Agent forms your LLC for $39, including your first year of registered agent service, an operating agreement template, and privacy protection (their address on public filings). EIN obtainment is available as a $50 add-on, or get it free yourself in 15 minutes at IRS.gov. $125/year registered agent renewal. Never sells your data.
Form Your LLC with Northwest for $39 →Do You Actually Need an EIN Right Now?
Not every LLC needs an EIN immediately. The IRS has specific rules about when an EIN is required versus when a sole proprietor's SSN is sufficient.
| Situation | EIN Required? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Single-member LLC with no employees, taxed as disregarded entity | Not required for federal taxes | IRS treats the owner's SSN as the tax ID; but banks require an EIN to open a business account |
| Multi-member LLC (partnership tax return) | Yes | Must file Form 1065; EIN is required on the return |
| Any LLC hiring employees | Yes | Required for payroll tax filings and W-2 reporting |
| LLC electing S-Corp tax status | Yes | Form 2553 election requires an EIN |
| Opening a business bank account | Yes (practically) | Every major bank requires an EIN to open a business checking account |
| Applying for a business credit card | Yes (recommended) | Using an SSN exposes personal credit; an EIN separates business credit profile |
| LLC applying for state business licenses | Often yes | Many state and local licensing agencies require an EIN on applications |
Practical recommendation: Get your EIN immediately after your LLC is approved by the state, even if you are a single-member LLC with no employees. It takes 15 minutes, costs nothing, and you will need it within weeks for banking. There is no downside to having it early.
Three Ways to Apply: Online, Fax, and Mail Compared
| Method | Processing Time | SSN/ITIN Required? | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online (IRS EIN Assistant) | Instant (same session) | Yes | $0 | US residents with SSN or ITIN; fastest and simplest option |
| Fax (Form SS-4) | 4 business days | No | $0 + fax fees | Non-residents without SSN/ITIN; anyone needing a paper trail |
| Mail (Form SS-4) | 4 to 6 weeks | No | $0 + postage | Not recommended; use fax instead for paper applications |
| Phone (international only) | Same day (if connected) | No | $0 + international call fees | Non-US residents only; call +1-267-941-1099; hold times 30 to 120 minutes |
Step-by-Step: The IRS Online EIN Application
The IRS EIN online application is called the EIN Assistant. It is available at IRS.gov Monday through Friday, 7am to 10pm Eastern Time. The session expires after 15 minutes of inactivity. If your session expires, your work is lost and you must restart. Have all information ready before you begin.
Gather required information before starting
You need: your LLC's exact legal name (exactly as filed with your state), your state of formation, the type of LLC (single-member or multi-member), the name and SSN or ITIN of the responsible party (the person who controls the LLC's assets and funds), your LLC's principal business address, the date your LLC was legally formed, and the primary business activity (a brief description of what your LLC does).
Navigate to the IRS EIN Assistant
Go to irs.gov and search "EIN Online" or navigate directly to the EIN online application page. The official IRS URL begins with irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online. Beware of third-party sites that mimic the IRS application and charge fees. The IRS application is always free and is only at irs.gov. Click "Apply Online Now" to begin.
Select your entity type
The application asks "What type of legal structure is applying for an EIN?" Select Limited Liability Company (LLC). The next screen asks how many members your LLC has. Select 1 for a single-member LLC or 2 or more for a multi-member LLC. For single-member LLCs, the next question asks whether the LLC is owned by an individual or another business. Select "Individual" for the typical case where a person owns the LLC directly.
Select your reason for applying
The application asks why you are applying for an EIN. For a new LLC, select "Started a new business." Other options include "Hired or will hire employees," "Banking purposes," and "Changed type of organization." Select the most accurate reason for your situation. If you are getting an EIN specifically to open a bank account after forming the LLC last month, "Banking purposes" is technically more accurate, but "Started a new business" is also acceptable for recently formed LLCs.
Enter responsible party information
Enter the full legal name of the responsible party exactly as it appears on their Social Security card or ITIN assignment letter. Enter their SSN or ITIN. This information is used to verify identity and associate the EIN with a specific individual in the IRS system. The responsible party is the person who ultimately controls the LLC's funds and assets, typically the sole member for single-member LLCs or the managing member for multi-member LLCs.
Enter LLC details and business information
Enter your LLC's legal name exactly as it appears in your state's business registry (including any punctuation, commas, or LLC designators). Enter your LLC's principal business address. Enter the state of formation. Enter the date the LLC was formed (the date on your Articles of Organization). Enter the number of employees you expect to have in the next 12 months (enter 0 if you are starting as a solo operator). Select the type of tax return you expect to file (for most single-member LLCs: Form 1040 / Schedule C; for multi-member LLCs: Form 1065).
Describe your principal business activity
The application asks for a brief description of what your LLC does. Be specific but concise: "residential cleaning services," "online retail of handmade jewelry," "web design consulting for small businesses," or "rental of residential real property." The IRS uses this description to assign a NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code to your LLC. The description does not affect your EIN assignment or tax obligations, but it should accurately reflect your primary business activity.
Review, submit, and save your EIN
Review all information for accuracy before submitting. Pay particular attention to: your LLC's legal name (must exactly match state records), responsible party name (must exactly match their SSN card), and the date of formation. Click "Submit." The IRS system will display your EIN immediately on a confirmation page, formatted as XX-XXXXXXX.
Applying by Fax or Mail (Form SS-4)
If you cannot use the online application (no SSN/ITIN, or the system is down), use Form SS-4. Download the current version from IRS.gov. The most recent revision is December 2025.
By fax: Complete Form SS-4 and fax to 855-641-6935 (for US-based applicants). The IRS processes fax applications within 4 business days and faxes the EIN back to the number you provide on the form.
By mail: Mail the completed Form SS-4 to the IRS service center for your state. Standard mail processing takes 4 to 6 weeks. This is the slowest method and is not recommended unless fax is unavailable. The IRS sends the CP 575 notice by mail to your LLC's mailing address.
Non-US Residents: Your Application Options
If you are a non-US resident forming a US LLC (a common structure for foreign entrepreneurs), you cannot use the IRS online application because it requires a US SSN or ITIN. Your options are fax (Form SS-4, no SSN/ITIN required, write "Foreign" or "N/A" on Line 7b) or phone (+1-267-941-1099, available Monday through Friday, 6am to 11pm Eastern). The phone line is for international applicants only; US-based callers will be redirected to the online or fax process.
For fax applications without an SSN, attach a copy of your passport to help the IRS verify identity. This is not strictly required but reduces the chance of processing delays. Processing time is the same as domestic fax applications: 4 business days.
What to Do Immediately After Receiving Your EIN
Your EIN is active immediately upon assignment. Take these steps within 48 hours of receiving it:
| Action | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Save your EIN confirmation page (print or PDF) | Immediately | The IRS does not email your EIN; the confirmation page is your only immediate record |
| Open a business bank account | Within 1 week | Bring your EIN confirmation, Articles of Organization, and operating agreement to the bank |
| Update your LLC operating agreement | Within 2 weeks | Add your EIN to the operating agreement header for your records |
| Apply for a business credit card | After account is open | Use your EIN (not SSN) to start building a separate business credit profile |
| File Form 8832 if changing tax classification | If applicable | Multi-member LLCs taxed as corporations need Form 8832; S-Corp election uses Form 2553 |
| Wait for CP 575 notice | 4 to 5 weeks by mail | This is your official IRS confirmation letter; keep it permanently with your LLC records |
Common EIN Application Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Mistake 1: Paying a third-party service for an EIN
Services like LegalZoom ($79), Bizee ($49), and dozens of copycat sites charge fees to obtain an EIN on your behalf. The IRS EIN application is free and takes the same 15 minutes whether you do it yourself or pay someone else to do it. The third party simply completes the same IRS online form you would complete yourself. The only situation where a third-party service makes sense is if you are a non-US resident who cannot use the online application and wants someone else to handle the fax process.
Mistake 2: LLC name on application does not match state records
The LLC name on the EIN application must exactly match the legal name on your state's Articles of Organization. "Smith & Jones LLC" is different from "Smith and Jones LLC." Check your state's business registry for the precise name, including punctuation and spacing, before beginning the application. A mismatch can cause issues when the IRS records are later cross-referenced with state records.
Mistake 3: Naming the wrong responsible party
The responsible party is the person who controls the LLC's assets and funds. For most LLCs, this is the sole member or the primary managing member. The responsible party cannot be a business entity (unless applying for a government agency EIN). If the responsible party changes after the EIN is issued, you must file Form 8822-B within 60 days to notify the IRS of the change.
Mistake 4: Losing the confirmation page
The online application displays your EIN once, on the confirmation page. If you close the browser or the session times out, you will not be able to retrieve it from the IRS website. If you lose your EIN, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933 and request a 147C letter, which serves as a replacement EIN verification document.
When You Do NOT Need to Get an EIN Yet
Most LLC guides push you to get an EIN immediately, and for most LLCs that is the right call. But there are cases where applying now creates unnecessary complexity:
- Your LLC is not yet approved by the state. You should not apply for an EIN until your Articles of Organization are filed and approved. The EIN application asks for your LLC's formation date; applying before formation means submitting inaccurate information.
- You are a sole proprietor who has not yet formed an LLC. Sole proprietors can use their SSN as their tax ID. If you are still deciding whether to form an LLC, wait until you have made that decision.
- You changed your single-member LLC's name but not its structure. A name change does not require a new EIN. The existing EIN follows the entity, not the name.
Still Unsure Which Service to Choose?
If you are still deciding, start with the service that best matches your budget and priorities:
- Best overall value: Northwest Registered Agent — $39 formation, $125/year registered agent, privacy included, no data selling.
- Lowest upfront cost: Bizee — $0 formation, $119/year registered agent. Shares data with marketing partners.
- Best dashboard: ZenBusiness — $0 formation, $199/year registered agent (not included in plan). Modern compliance tools.
Read our full comparison of all five services for detailed feature-by-feature analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is getting an EIN really free from the IRS?
Yes, completely. The IRS does not charge any fee to assign an EIN. The online application at IRS.gov is free, takes 15 minutes, and provides your EIN instantly. Any fee you pay goes to a third-party service that is simply completing the same free application on your behalf. If you have a US SSN or ITIN, there is no reason to pay anyone for this service.
Can I get an EIN before my LLC is approved by the state?
Technically yes, but you should not. The EIN application asks for your LLC's formation date and legal name, which do not exist until the state approves your Articles of Organization. Applying before state approval means providing inaccurate information, and you risk a name mismatch if your LLC name is modified during the state review process. Wait for the state approval notice before applying for your EIN.
What if I made a mistake on my EIN application?
The correction method depends on what was wrong. For errors in the responsible party information, file Form 8822-B to update. For errors in the business name or address, also use Form 8822-B. For structural errors (wrong entity type selected), call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Minor description errors (like the business activity description) generally do not require correction unless they affect your tax classification. You cannot "undo" an EIN; the IRS assigns them permanently and simply updates the record if corrections are needed.
Do I need a new EIN if I change my LLC name?
No. A name change does not require a new EIN. The EIN stays with the legal entity; the IRS updates its records when you notify them of the name change. Notify the IRS of a name change by checking the "Name Change" box on your annual tax return, or by sending a signed letter to the IRS address where you file your return.
I lost my EIN. How do I get it back?
Your EIN can be found on: your original CP 575 confirmation letter, any prior tax return filed by the LLC, bank statements or account agreements where you used the EIN, or state business license applications. If none of these are available, call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 1-800-829-4933. Verify your identity and request a 147C letter, which serves as an official replacement for the original CP 575. The IRS can fax the 147C letter to you immediately during the call.
Can I use my EIN to build business credit separate from my personal credit?
Yes, and this is one of the primary reasons to get an EIN even if you are not legally required to have one. Use your EIN (not your SSN) when applying for a business credit card, a Dun & Bradstreet DUNS number, and business accounts with suppliers. Over time, this builds a separate business credit profile under your EIN. Business credit scores are maintained by separate bureaus (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, Equifax Business) and are distinct from your personal FICO score.
Related Guides
- How to Form an LLC: Step-by-Step Guide
- LLC Operating Agreement: Template & Guide
- What To Do After Forming an LLC: First 30 Days Checklist
- Northwest Registered Agent Review
Frédéric Deltour is a business formation consultant with 22+ years of experience forming and operating companies in Europe and the United States. He has personally used Northwest Registered Agent three times for his own entities and recommends them based on direct experience with their service, pricing, and privacy protections.
FTC Disclosure: OnlineLLCGuide.com earns affiliate commissions when you use our links. These commissions do not affect our ratings, rankings, or editorial positions. We independently evaluate each service.
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