How to Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number)

What Is an EIN?

An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is a unique nine-digit number assigned by the IRS to identify your business for tax purposes. Think of it as a Social Security number for your LLC. It's formatted as XX-XXXXXXX and is sometimes called a Federal Tax ID Number or FEIN.

Every LLC that has more than one member, hires employees, or wants to open a business bank account needs an EIN. In practice, nearly every LLC gets one — even single-member LLCs — because banks require it and it keeps your personal SSN off business documents.

Why You Need One

Open a business bank account. Banks require an EIN to open a business checking or savings account. You cannot use your personal SSN for a business account.
Hire employees. If you plan to hire anyone — even a single contractor in some cases — you need an EIN for payroll tax reporting.
File business taxes. The IRS uses your EIN to track your business tax filings, including partnership returns (Form 1065) and S-Corp elections (Form 1120-S).
Build business credit. An EIN is the foundation of your business credit profile. Vendors and lenders use it to track your business's creditworthiness separately from your personal credit.
Protect your SSN. Using an EIN on business documents, vendor applications, and W-9 forms keeps your personal Social Security number private.

How to Apply

The IRS provides EINs free of charge. There are three ways to apply:

Option 1: Apply Online (Free, Fastest)

The IRS EIN Assistant at irs.gov is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM Eastern. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive your EIN immediately upon completion.

Requirements: The "responsible party" (an LLC member or manager) must have a valid SSN or ITIN. The LLC must already be formed (you need your state filing confirmation).

Option 2: Apply by Fax (4 Business Days)

Complete IRS Form SS-4 and fax it to the IRS. They'll fax your EIN back within 4 business days. This method is useful if the online system is unavailable.

Option 3: Apply by Mail (4-6 Weeks)

Mail Form SS-4 to the IRS. This is the slowest method and rarely used, but it's available if other options aren't feasible.

Important Limitations

One per day. The IRS limits each responsible party (identified by SSN) to one EIN per day. If you're forming multiple LLCs, you'll need to space out your applications.
Online hours only. The IRS online system shuts down at 10 PM Eastern and on weekends.
US persons only (online). International applicants without an SSN/ITIN must apply by fax or mail.
LLC must be formed first. You need your state filing confirmation before applying for an EIN.

Let Entity Lane Handle It — $75

While the IRS doesn't charge for an EIN, the process has quirks — limited hours, one-per-day limits, and a form that asks questions most new business owners haven't considered (tax year, expected employees, date wages first paid).

For $75, we handle the entire process:

We pre-fill Form SS-4 using the information from your LLC formation
We submit the application to the IRS the day your LLC is approved
Your EIN confirmation letter appears in your Entity Lane portal
Typical turnaround: same day (online) or 4 business days (fax for international applicants)

The EIN filing is included in our Professional ($199) and Complete ($349) formation packages, or available as a $75 add-on with the Starter package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is getting an EIN free?

Yes. The IRS does not charge for EINs. Our $75 fee is for the service of preparing and submitting the application on your behalf. If you prefer to do it yourself, apply at irs.gov at no cost.

Do I need an EIN if I'm a single-member LLC?

Technically, a single-member LLC with no employees can use the owner's SSN. In practice, you'll need an EIN because banks require one to open a business account, and it protects your personal SSN.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Online: immediate. By fax: 4 business days. By mail: 4-6 weeks. We use the online method whenever possible.

Can I apply for an EIN before my LLC is formed?

No. The IRS requires your LLC to be legally formed before you can apply. We automatically queue your EIN application the day your formation is approved.