How to Get an EIN for Your LLC: Free IRS Application Guide (2026)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is one of the first things you need after forming your LLC. Think of it as a Social Security number for your business — it is a unique nine-digit number issued by the IRS that identifies your LLC for tax purposes. The best part? Applying for an EIN is completely free, and if you apply online you can have your number in about five minutes.

This guide walks you through every step of the EIN application process in 2026, including the online method, mail, and fax options. We also cover common mistakes that trip up applicants and explain exactly what to do with your EIN once you receive it.

What Is an EIN?

An EIN, also called a Federal Tax Identification Number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN), is a nine-digit number formatted as XX-XXXXXXX. The IRS assigns EINs to business entities operating in the United States for the purpose of identification, much like a Social Security number (SSN) identifies an individual.

Your LLC uses its EIN for virtually every financial and tax-related activity:

• Filing federal and state tax returns — the IRS uses your EIN to track your business tax obligations
• Opening a business bank account — banks require an EIN to set up accounts in your LLC’s name
• Hiring employees — you need an EIN to report payroll taxes and issue W-2 forms
• Applying for business licenses and permits — many local and state applications require your EIN
• Building business credit — your EIN is tied to your business credit profile
• Protecting your SSN — using an EIN on business forms prevents unnecessary exposure of your personal Social Security number

Does Your LLC Need an EIN?

Whether your LLC is legally required to obtain an EIN depends on its structure and activities:

LLC Type	EIN Required?	Details
Multi-member LLC	Yes — always required	Taxed as a partnership by default; must file Form 1065
Single-member LLC with employees	Yes — always required	Must report payroll taxes
LLC electing S-Corp or C-Corp tax status	Yes — always required	Corporation tax elections require a separate EIN
Single-member LLC, no employees	Not legally required, but strongly recommended	Can use your SSN, but an EIN protects your identity and is needed for bank accounts

Bottom line: Even if your single-member LLC does not technically need an EIN, you should get one anyway. It is free, takes minutes, and virtually every bank will require it to open a business checking account. Using an EIN instead of your SSN also reduces your risk of identity theft.

How to Apply for an EIN Online (Step-by-Step)

The IRS online EIN application is by far the fastest and most popular method. You will receive your EIN immediately upon completing the form. Here is exactly how to do it:

Step 1: Go to the IRS EIN Application Page

Navigate to irs.gov and search for “apply for an EIN” or go directly to the EIN Assistant page. The official application is always free — never pay a third-party website that charges for EIN applications.

Important: The online application is only available Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If you try to access it outside these hours, you will see an error message.

Step 2: Select Your Entity Type

Choose “Limited Liability Company (LLC)” from the list of entity types. Do not select “Sole Proprietor” even if you are a single-member LLC — your LLC is a separate legal entity.

Step 3: Confirm the Number of Members

Enter the number of members (owners) in your LLC. This determines how the IRS will classify your LLC for tax purposes by default:

• 1 member: Taxed as a disregarded entity (reported on your personal Schedule C)
• 2 or more members: Taxed as a partnership (Form 1065)

Step 4: Select Why You Need an EIN

Common reasons include:

• Started a new business — most common choice for new LLCs
• Hired employees — if you are adding employees to an existing LLC
• Banking purposes — if your bank requires an EIN
• Changed type of organization — if you converted from a sole proprietorship to an LLC

Step 5: Enter the Responsible Party Information

The “responsible party” is the individual who controls, manages, or directs the LLC. For most small LLCs, this is the owner or managing member. You will need to provide:

• Full legal name of the responsible party
• Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Home address of the responsible party

Note: The responsible party must be an individual, not another business entity. Every EIN application must include one person’s SSN or ITIN.

Step 6: Enter Your LLC Details

Provide your LLC’s legal name (exactly as it appears on your Articles of Organization), trade name or DBA (if applicable), mailing address, the state where your LLC is registered, and the date it was formed.

Step 7: Review and Submit

Double-check all information carefully. Common errors at this stage include misspelling the LLC name, entering the wrong state, or selecting the wrong entity type. Once you confirm everything is correct, submit the application.

Step 8: Receive Your EIN Instantly

After submitting, you will see your EIN displayed on the confirmation screen. Save this page immediately — print it or take a screenshot. The IRS will also mail a confirmation notice (CP 575) to your address within 4–6 weeks, but the number is valid right away.

How to Apply by Mail or Fax

If you cannot use the online application (for example, if the responsible party does not have an SSN or if you are applying from outside the United States), you can apply using Form SS-4.

Method	Processing Time	How to Submit
Online	Immediate (within minutes)	IRS website — irs.gov EIN Assistant
Fax	4 business days	Fax completed Form SS-4 to (855) 641-6935
Mail	4–5 weeks	Mail Form SS-4 to Internal Revenue Service, Attn: EIN Operation, Cincinnati, OH 45999
Phone (international only)	Immediate	Call (267) 941-1099 (not toll-free), Mon–Fri 6 a.m.–11 p.m. ET

To apply by fax, download Form SS-4 from irs.gov, complete it, and fax it to the number above. Include your return fax number and the IRS will fax your EIN back within 4 business days.

For mail applications, send the completed Form SS-4 to the Cincinnati address. Expect to wait 4 to 5 weeks for a response. We strongly recommend the online method whenever possible.

How Long Does It Take to Get an EIN?

The timeline depends entirely on which method you choose:

• Online: Instant. You receive your EIN as soon as you complete the application, typically within 5 minutes.
• Fax: About 4 business days. The IRS faxes your EIN back to the number you provide.
• Mail: 4 to 5 weeks. This is the slowest method and only recommended if you have no other option.
• Phone (international): Immediate. Available for applicants who do not have an SSN and are calling from outside the US.

Regardless of the method, once the IRS issues your EIN it is active immediately. You do not need to wait for the confirmation letter to start using it.

EIN for Single-Member vs Multi-Member LLC

The application process is the same for both types of LLCs, but there are a few important differences to understand:

Single-Member LLC

A single-member LLC is classified as a “disregarded entity” by the IRS by default. This means the LLC itself does not file a separate tax return — all income and expenses are reported on your personal tax return (Schedule C of Form 1040). While you can technically use your SSN for tax reporting, having an EIN is necessary for opening a business bank account, hiring contractors (issuing 1099 forms), and establishing business credit.

Multi-Member LLC

A multi-member LLC is automatically classified as a partnership by the IRS. It must file Form 1065 (U.S. Return of Partnership Income) and issue Schedule K-1 forms to each member. An EIN is absolutely required — the IRS will not accept a multi-member LLC tax return without one.

If your LLC elects to be taxed as an S-Corporation (Form 2553) or C-Corporation (Form 8832), you will also need an EIN regardless of the number of members.

What to Do After You Get Your EIN

Once you have your EIN, take these steps to put it to work:

1. Open a business bank account. Bring your EIN confirmation letter (or printout), your Articles of Organization, and a photo ID to your bank. Keeping personal and business finances separate is essential for maintaining your LLC’s liability protection.
2. Update your LLC records. Add your EIN to your operating agreement and keep a copy of the EIN confirmation with your important business documents.
3. Register for state taxes. If your state requires sales tax collection, income tax withholding, or other business taxes, you will need your EIN for the registration process.
4. Set up payroll (if applicable). If you plan to hire employees, your EIN is required for payroll tax reporting, W-2 issuance, and withholding.
5. Apply for business licenses and permits. Many local, county, and state license applications require your EIN.
6. Build business credit. Once you have a bank account and EIN, you can begin establishing a business credit history separate from your personal credit.

Common EIN Application Mistakes

The EIN application is straightforward, but these common mistakes can delay or complicate the process:

Many LLC formation services include EIN filing as part of their packages, which can be convenient if you want to handle formation, registered agent, and EIN all in one place. However, since applying for an EIN is free and takes less than 10 minutes, doing it yourself is perfectly reasonable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is getting an EIN free?

Yes, applying for an EIN through the IRS is completely free. The online application at irs.gov costs nothing, and you receive your EIN immediately. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees for EIN applications — they are simply filing the same free form on your behalf.

Can I apply for an EIN before forming my LLC?

No. You must form your LLC with your state first (by filing Articles of Organization) before you can apply for an EIN. The IRS requires your LLC to be a legally formed entity before issuing a tax identification number.

How many EINs can I get?

You can get one EIN per responsible party per day using the online application. Each separate LLC you form will need its own unique EIN. There is no limit to how many EINs a person can obtain over time.

What if I lose my EIN?

If you lose your EIN, you can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at (800) 829-4933, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. You will need to verify your identity as the responsible party. You can also find your EIN on previously filed tax returns, bank account documents, or the original CP 575 confirmation notice the IRS mailed to you.

Do I need a new EIN if I change my LLC’s name or address?

Generally, no. You do not need a new EIN just because your LLC changes its name or address. However, you do need a new EIN if your LLC changes its structure (for example, from a single-member to a multi-member LLC) or if you elect to change your tax classification.

Related LLC Guides

• What Does LLC Stand For? Meaning, Benefits & How It Works
• How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC?
• Sole Proprietorship vs LLC: Key Differences
• Best LLC Formation Services 2026
• Single-Member LLC Taxes Guide
• How Long Does It Take to Get an LLC?

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