To apply for EIN, first form your LLC or corporation with the state if that step applies to you. Then, use the IRS online tool if your principal place of business is in the United States or a U.S. territory. The application is free, and the IRS can issue the number immediately after approving an eligible online application.
Many owners search for how to apply for an EIN online, and the steps below follow the official IRS process. An employer identification number is a nine-digit federal tax ID used to identify businesses and other entities for federal tax purposes. You may need one for employees, tax filings, banking, or certain business activities.
| Key detail | What to know |
| Federal tax ID | A nine-digit number assigned by the IRS |
| IRS application fee | $0 |
| Fastest method | Online application for eligible U.S.-based applicants |
| Online processing | The number may be issued immediately after approval. |
| Fax processing | About 4 business days when a return fax number is supplied |
| Mail processing | Approximately 4 weeks |
| Daily limit | One EIN per responsible party per day |
| Paper application | Form SS-4 |
These timelines and application rules are based on current IRS guidance. Processing can take longer when IRS inventories are high.
Who Needs a Federal Tax ID?
Corporations and partnerships generally need their own identifying numbers. Employers also need an EIN when they must report employment taxes or issue tax statements to workers. Certain trusts, estates, retirement plans, and entities filing specific federal tax returns may need one as well.
A sole proprietor without employees does not always need an EIN for federal income tax purposes. A single-member LLC may also have different requirements depending on its tax treatment, employees, and excise-tax obligations.
If you’re forming an LLC, corporation, partnership, or another legal entity, complete your state formation first. The IRS warns that applying before state registration can delay the federal application.For more business-related reading, WebDorbit maintains a dedicated Business section that covers company operations and growth.
What You’ll Need Before Starting
Gather the required information before opening the IRS application. The online session cannot be saved for later, and the system expires after 15 minutes of inactivity.
Have these details ready:
- Your legal business or organization name.
- Your entity type.
- Your principal business address.
- The reason you’re requesting the number.
- Information about your business activities.
- The responsible party’s name.
- The responsible party’s SSN or ITIN for the online process.
- Signed authorization if a third-party designee will complete the application.
The responsible party is normally the individual who ultimately controls or manages the entity and its funds. A nominee with only limited formation authority cannot be listed instead.
How to Apply for EIN Online in 6 Steps
- Complete your entity formation. Register an LLC, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity with the appropriate state first, when required.
- Confirm your online eligibility. The online tool is intended for applicants whose principal place of business is in the United States or a U.S. territory.
- Gather your business details. Have the legal name, entity type, address, responsible-party information, and reason for applying ready.
- Open the official IRS application. The IRS online EIN assistant charges a $0 application fee, so no payment is required at any point in the process.
- Complete the application in one session. Review your entries carefully before submitting them. The online system does not allow you to save a partially completed application.
- Save your confirmation. If your submission is approved, save or print the assignment notice before closing the session.
The IRS currently makes the online tool available during specified Eastern Time hours. It operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. the following day, Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 6 p.m. to midnight.
What If You Cannot Apply Online?
The online method isn’t the only option.
| Method | Who can use it | Typical timing |
| Online EIN tool | Eligible applicants with a principal place of business in the U.S. or a U.S. territory | Immediately after approval |
| Fax Form SS-4 | Domestic and international applicants using the applicable fax number | About 4 business days when a return fax number is provided |
| Mail Form SS-4 | Domestic and international applicants | About 4 weeks |
| Telephone | International applicants | The number may be assigned during the call |
Applicants whose principal place of business is outside the United States or its territories cannot use the online tool. They may submit Form SS-4 by fax or mail. International applicants may also call the IRS at 267-941-1099, Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
This distinction also matters for foreign responsible parties. Current Form SS-4 instructions state that a person who has no SSN or ITIN and is ineligible to obtain one can enter “foreign” or “N/A” on line 7b. That option applies to Form SS-4 procedures, not to the standard online tool.
Common Mistakes That Can Slow the Process
Applying before forming the legal entity is one of the easiest mistakes to avoid. Finish the state registration first when you’re creating an LLC or corporation.
Another mistake is paying a third-party website because it appears to offer the official application. The IRS states that businesses can obtain the number directly from the government at no charge.Apply for EIN Don’t list a temporary nominee as the responsible party. The IRS requires that the person who ultimately owns, controls, or manages the entity be identified in most cases.
Avoid submitting multiple applications through different methods. IRS instructions recommend using only one method for the same entity to avoid duplicate numbers.Finally, save the confirmation document. It can be useful when banks, tax professionals, vendors, or other organizations ask you to verify your federal tax ID.
What to Do After Your Number Is Issued
You can use the number immediately for most business purposes once the IRS issues it. Keep the assignment confirmation with your permanent company records. If your responsible party, address, or business location later changes, use Form 8822-B to notify the IRS. Changes to the responsible party generally must be reported within 60 days.
A new federal number isn’t required for every business change. For example, changing only a company’s name or address normally does not require a new assignment. Changes to ownership or legal structure are more likely to require one.
Once the administrative setup is complete, business owners may also want to review WebDorbit’s guide to government contracting opportunities in tech services. For agreements with clients, suppliers, or partners, its guide to contract lawyer costs and options covers another common business-planning issue.
Your Next Step
If your entity is already formed and you meet the online eligibility requirements, gather the required information and use the official IRS application. There is no government application fee, so you don’t need to pay an outside service to obtain the number.
Apply for EIN. If your situation involves unusual ownership, foreign parties, or tax-classification questions, consider consulting a qualified tax professional before submitting Form SS-4.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not through the standard IRS online application, which requires the responsible party’s SSN or ITIN. Form SS-4 instructions provide an alternative for responsible parties who are ineligible for either number: line 7b can state “foreign” or “N/A.”
Not necessarily for federal income tax purposes. Requirements depend on ownership, tax classification, employees, and other filing obligations. The IRS recommends checking the rules that apply to your entity and tax situation.
Eligible online applicants can receive the number immediately after a successful submission. Fax applications generally take about four business days when a return fax number is provided. Mail applications take approximately four weeks
No. An EIN is a federal taxpayer identification number issued by the IRS. State and local licenses, permits, registrations, or tax accounts are separate requirements.
The IRS limits issuance to one EIN per responsible party per day. The limit applies across online, fax, mail, and telephone requests.
Ca
