What is an EIN?
An EIN — Employer Identification Number — is a nine-digit number the IRS assigns to identify your business for tax purposes. Think of it as a Social Security Number for your business.
Despite the name, you don't need employees to get an EIN. Single-person businesses, solo LLCs, and freelancers all commonly use EINs — primarily to open a business bank account, avoid sharing their personal SSN, and establish a separate business identity.
Social Security Number
XXX-XX-1234
Identifies you as a person
→
Employer Identification Number
XX-XXXXXXX
Identifies your business entity
Do you need an EIN?
✅You formed an LLC or corporationGet an EIN
✅You want to open a business bank accountGet an EIN
✅You have or plan to hire employeesGet an EIN
✅You have a Keogh plan or solo 401(k)Get an EIN
✅You want to avoid sharing your SSN with clientsGet an EIN
✅You have a partnership (multiple owners)Get an EIN
⏭Sole proprietor with no employees, no retirement plan, don't mind using your SSNOptional
⏭You're getting a second EIN for the same entity (you only need one per entity)Optional
💡 When in doubt, just get one
An EIN is free and takes 15 minutes. Even if you technically don't need one today, getting an EIN now means you won't have to do it later when you're also trying to open a bank account or sign a contract. There's no reason not to have one.
Step-by-step: how to apply online
The online application at IRS.gov is the fastest and simplest method. You'll receive your EIN immediately upon completion.
Go to the official IRS EIN application
Navigate to IRS.gov/ein. This is the only official, free application. Do not use any other website — third-party sites charge fees for a service that is free directly from the IRS.
💡 Bookmark: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online
Click "Apply Online Now"
The online application is available Monday–Friday, 7am to 10pm Eastern time. You must complete the entire application in one session — it cannot be saved and resumed. Set aside 15–20 minutes of uninterrupted time.
💡 The session times out after 15 minutes of inactivity, which would require starting over.
Select your entity type
Choose the type of business you're applying for. Most common options: Sole Proprietor (you personally, no LLC), LLC (if you've already formed one), Corporation, Partnership. If you have an LLC, select "Limited Liability Company" even if it's a single-member LLC.
Answer questions about your business
You'll be asked: why you're applying for an EIN (started a new business, opened a bank account, hired employees, etc.), the state where your business is located, whether you've had an EIN before, and the date your business started or will start.
Enter your personal information
You must provide the responsible party's name and Social Security Number or ITIN. The "responsible party" is the person who controls the entity — typically the sole owner for a single-member LLC. The IRS requires this to verify identity and prevent fraud.
⚠️ If you don't have an SSN or ITIN, you cannot use the online application. Call 267-941-1099 instead.
Review and submit
Review all your information carefully. Once submitted, some information (like entity type) cannot easily be changed. Confirm your business name spelling matches your LLC formation documents exactly.
Receive your EIN instantly
After submitting, your EIN is issued immediately on screen. Download and save the confirmation page (CP 575) as a PDF. This is your official EIN assignment letter — you'll need it to open a business bank account, and it may be requested by clients, vendors, and financial institutions.
💡 Save the CP 575 PDF somewhere safe. If you lose it, recovery requires a phone call to the IRS.
Alternative application methods
If you can't use the online application (no SSN, browser issues, or preference), two other methods are available:
| Method | How | Processing time | Best for |
|---|
| Online (recommended) | IRS.gov/ein — Monday–Friday 7am–10pm ET | Instant | U.S. residents with SSN or ITIN |
| Phone | Call 267-941-1099 — Monday–Friday 6am–11pm ET | Instant (EIN given on call) | International applicants without SSN/ITIN |
| Fax | Complete Form SS-4, fax to your state's IRS fax number | 4 business days | Those who prefer paper |
| Mail | Complete Form SS-4, mail to the IRS address for your state | 4–5 weeks | Last resort only |
What to do after you get your EIN
- Save your CP 575 letter — Download and keep the PDF confirmation. This is your official EIN assignment from the IRS. Banks, vendors, and government agencies may ask to see it.
- Open a business bank account — Bring your EIN, your LLC formation documents (if applicable), and a government-issued ID. Most major banks can open a business account the same day.
- Update your W-9 if you're a contractor — Your W-9 form for clients should use your EIN rather than your personal SSN. This protects your SSN from being shared unnecessarily.
- Set up accounting software — Enter your EIN into QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or whichever software you use. It will appear on invoices and tax documents.
⚠️ Beware of EIN scam websites
Many websites charge $50–$300 to "help" you apply for an EIN. These websites are not affiliated with the IRS. The IRS application is free at IRS.gov/ein and takes 15 minutes. If you're on a website asking for payment to apply for an EIN, you're on the wrong site.