How to Get an EIN for Free — Direct from IRS.gov (2026 Guide)

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business's federal tax identification number — the business equivalent of a Social Security Number. If you need to open a business bank account, hire employees, file business taxes, or complete a FinCEN BOI report, you need an EIN.

Here is the most important thing to know before we go further: getting an EIN is completely free and takes about 10 minutes on the IRS website. Any website or service charging you to apply for an EIN is taking your money for something you can do yourself for free.

EIN scam warning: Dozens of websites appear in search results offering to "get your EIN" for fees ranging from $50 to $299. These are middlemen charging for a free government service. The only legitimate place to apply for an EIN is IRS.gov/EIN. Never pay for this.

What Is an EIN Used For?

Opening a business bank account (required by virtually all banks)
Filing federal and state business tax returns
Hiring employees and processing payroll
Applying for business licenses and permits
Filing your FinCEN Beneficial Ownership report
Keeping your Social Security Number private on business documents
Establishing business credit

Do You Need an EIN If You're a Single-Member LLC?

Yes — even if you have no employees and no plans to hire. Banks require an EIN to open a business checking account, and the FinCEN BOI report requires your EIN. Getting one is free, fast, and only has upsides.

What You Need Before You Apply

Have the following ready before you start the online application. The process must be completed in one session — there is no save-and-return feature.

Your approved Articles of Organization (or confirmation that your LLC has been approved)
Your LLC's legal name exactly as it appears in your state filing
Your LLC's mailing address
Your own name, Social Security Number, and address (as the "responsible party")
The state and date your LLC was formed
The principal business activity (what your LLC does)

The "responsible party" is you — as the person who controls the LLC. You use your own SSN for this field. This is how the IRS links the business to a real person, not how your business is taxed.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Online

Go to IRS.gov/EIN — the direct URL is irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online. Look for the "Apply Online Now" button.
Select your entity type: Choose "Limited Liability Company (LLC)" from the list.
Enter the number of LLC members: 1 for single-member, 2+ for multi-member.
Choose your reason for applying: Select "Started a new business" for a new LLC.
Enter your LLC's information: Legal name, address, state, formation date.
Enter your information as responsible party: Your name and Social Security Number.
Describe your business activity: Select the closest category from the list (e.g., "Retail Trade," "Services," "Construction").
Review and submit: Double-check all information matches your Articles of Organization exactly.
Download your EIN confirmation (Form CP 575) immediately. This is the only copy you'll receive online. Save it as a PDF right now.

✅ Your EIN is assigned instantly upon successful submission. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. You'll see a confirmation screen with your EIN number — screenshot this and download the PDF immediately.

What to Do With Your EIN After You Get It

Save the CP 575 confirmation letter as a PDF in your LLC records folder
Print a copy and keep it with your physical business records
Use it immediately to open your business bank account
Enter it on your FinCEN BOI report
Do not share it unnecessarily — treat it like a sensitive financial document

What If the Online System Is Unavailable?

The IRS online EIN application is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM Eastern Time. It is occasionally unavailable during maintenance windows. If you cannot use the online system, you can apply by fax (Form SS-4) and receive your EIN within four business days, or by mail with a four-week processing time.

For international applicants who cannot apply online, the IRS also accepts phone applications at 267-941-1099.

Can You Have More Than One EIN?

Each LLC gets one EIN. If you form a second LLC, it gets its own separate EIN. You cannot use one EIN for multiple LLCs. If you close a business and its EIN becomes inactive, that EIN is permanently retired — it cannot be reused or transferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an EIN?+

If you apply online at IRS.gov, you receive your EIN instantly upon submission. The online system is available Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 10 PM Eastern. Fax applications take about 4 business days; mail applications take up to 4 weeks.

Is my EIN the same as my Social Security Number?+

No. An EIN is a separate nine-digit number assigned specifically to your business (formatted as XX-XXXXXXX). Using your EIN on business documents instead of your SSN keeps your personal Social Security Number private.

What if I lost my EIN?+

If you lose your EIN, check any previously filed tax returns, bank account documents, or the original CP 575 letter. If you cannot locate it, call the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. They can verify your EIN after confirming your identity.

Do I need a new EIN if I change my LLC name?+

Generally no — a name change alone does not require a new EIN. However, if your LLC undergoes a significant structural change (converting to a corporation, adding partners, etc.), a new EIN may be required. The IRS has guidance at IRS.gov on when a new EIN is needed.

Can I apply for an EIN before my LLC is officially approved?+

The IRS recommends waiting until your LLC is approved by the state before applying for an EIN. However, some sources suggest you can apply once you've filed your Articles of Organization, even before receiving the stamped certificate. To be safe, wait for state approval first.