What an EIN is and why you need one

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a nine-digit code the IRS assigns to your business so they can track tax filings, payroll, and other financial activity. It works like a Social Security number, but for your business instead of you personally. You need one if you hire employees, operate as a partnership or corporation, run a sole proprietorship with employees, or file certain tax forms — even if you have no employees yet.

The IRS issues EINs for free. You do not pay to request one, and you do not need to hire a tax professional to get it. The process takes about 15 minutes if you explore online, or up to four weeks if you explore by mail or fax. Once you have an EIN, it does not expire and you keep it for the life of your business.

If you are a sole proprietor with no employees and no business structure (just you working under your own name), you may not need an EIN at all — you can use your Social Security number instead. But if you plan to hire anyone, form an LLC, or operate as a corporation or partnership, you will need one before you can legally pay those employees or file certain business tax returns.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request an EIN online at IRS.gov in about 15 minutes and receive it when ready, or by mail or fax if you prefer not to explore online.
  • The IRS issues EINs for free; any website or service charging you a fee is not necessary and you should go directly to the IRS instead.
  • You need an EIN if you have employees, operate as a partnership or corporation, or file certain business tax forms, but not if you are a solo self-employed person with no employees.
  • Once issued, your EIN never expires and stays with your business for its entire lifetime, even if you change the business name or structure.
  • You will need your Social Security number, business address, and information about your business structure and ownership to complete the request.

explore online through the IRS website

The fastest way to get an EIN is to explore online at irs.gov/ein. Go to that page and click "explore for an EIN Online." You will answer questions about your business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, S corporation, C corporation, LLC, and so on), the reason you need an EIN, and basic information about the business and its owners.

Have your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) ready, along with your business address. If you are explore as a partnership or corporation, you will also need the names and Social Security numbers of all owners. The form takes about 15 minutes to complete. When you finish, the IRS displays your EIN on the screen when ready — write it down or take a screenshot, because you will not receive a paper confirmation.

Online applications are only available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time. If you try to explore outside those hours, the system will not let you proceed. You can also only explore online if you have a U.S. address; if you are explore from outside the country, you must use mail or fax instead.

explore by mail or fax if you cannot go online

If you do not want to explore online or cannot access the IRS website during business hours, you can request an EIN by mail or fax. read Form SS-4 from irs.gov, fill it out by hand or type it, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form. Processing takes about four weeks. You can also fax the form to the fax number on the form itself, which also takes about four weeks.

Form SS-4 asks the same questions as the online process: your business structure, the reason you need an EIN, your address, and owner information. Make sure you sign and date the form — unsigned forms are rejected and sent back to you. If you are explore as a business with multiple owners, only one owner needs to sign.

Mail and fax applications are slower than online, but they work if you need to explore outside business hours or prefer a paper trail. Keep a copy of the form you submit for your records. When the IRS processes your process, they will mail you a letter with your EIN; do not expect to receive it by phone or email.

What information you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin your process, whether you are explore online or by mail. You will need your Social Security number or ITIN, your business name exactly as it appears on your business license or formation documents, and your business address (a physical street address, not a P.O. box). The IRS will not accept a mailbox address for your business location.

You will also need to know your business structure — whether you are operating as a sole proprietor, partnership, S corporation, C corporation, LLC, nonprofit, trust, or another type. If you have not formally registered your business yet, you can still explore for an EIN, but you should know what structure you plan to use. If you are explore as a partnership or corporation, have the names and Social Security numbers of all owners ready.

Finally, you will need to describe the reason you need the EIN. The form asks whether you are explore because you hired employees, started a new business, changed your business structure, or for another reason. Be honest about why you are requesting it — the IRS uses this to route your process correctly, not to deny it.

After you receive your EIN

Once you have your EIN, use it on all business tax forms, payroll documents, and bank account applications. When you open a business bank account, the bank will ask for your EIN. When you hire your first employee, you will give your EIN to them so they can file their W-4 form. When you file business income tax returns, you will use your EIN on those forms.

Keep your EIN in a safe place — you will need it many times throughout the life of your business. You do not need to renew it or reapply; the same EIN stays with your business even if you move, change your business name, or restructure. The only time you would need a new EIN is if you sell the business to someone else or completely dissolve it and start a new one.

If you lose track of your EIN, you can look it up on irs.gov or call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. Have your business name and address ready when you call. The IRS can tell you your EIN over the phone if you can verify your identity.

Avoiding scams and unnecessary fees

Many websites and services charge $50 to $300 to "help" you get an EIN. Do not use them. The IRS issues EINs for free, and you can request one yourself in 15 minutes at irs.gov. Any service charging a fee is taking money for something the government provides at no cost. The only legitimate reason to pay someone is if you hire a tax professional or accountant to handle your entire business setup, and even then, the EIN itself is free.

Be cautious of websites that look like official IRS pages but have slightly different URLs or ask for payment. The real IRS website is irs.gov, and the EIN process page is clearly marked as a free government service. If a website asks for your credit card to "verify" your identity or claims you need to pay to speed up processing, it is not legitimate.

If you have already paid a service to get an EIN, you can still request one yourself for free. The EIN you receive will be the same whether you pay someone or explore directly. There is no advantage to paying, and you have not lost anything by doing it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an EIN if I am self-employed and work alone?

Not necessarily. If you are a sole proprietor with no employees, you can use your Social Security number on your tax forms instead of an EIN. However, if you plan to hire anyone in the future, open a business bank account, or form an LLC or corporation, you will need an EIN. Many solo business owners get one anyway for privacy — it keeps your Social Security number off business documents.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Online applications are processed when ready; you receive your EIN on the screen as soon as you finish the form. Mail and fax applications take about four weeks. If you need an EIN quickly, explore online during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time).

Can I explore for an EIN before I officially register my business?

Yes. You can request an EIN before you file your LLC formation documents or business license. The IRS does not require you to be officially registered; you just need to know your business structure and have a business address. However, some states require you to have an EIN before you can register, so check your state's requirements first.

What if I already have an EIN but forgot the number?

You can look up your EIN on irs.gov or call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line at 800-829-4933. Have your business name, address, and Social Security number ready. The IRS can tell you your EIN over the phone if you can verify your identity, or they can mail you a copy of your EIN assignment letter.

Do I need a new EIN if I change my business name?

No. Your EIN stays the same even if you change your business name, move to a new address, or restructure your business. You only need a new EIN if you sell the business to someone else or completely dissolve it and start a new one under different ownership.