How to Get an EIN Number for Your Business (2026)

An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a nine-digit federal tax ID the IRS assigns to a business. Think of it as a Social Security number for your company. It identifies your business for tax filings, payroll, business bank accounts, and a long list of other situations where you would otherwise have to hand out your personal Social Security number.

The single most important thing to know about getting an EIN is that it is free. The IRS issues it at no charge, and the online application takes only a few minutes. Be wary of any site that charges a fee to "obtain" an EIN for you, because you can do it yourself directly.

Do you need an EIN?

You are required to have an EIN if any of the following apply:

Your business has employees.
Your business is a corporation or a partnership.
Your LLC has more than one member, or you elect to have your LLC taxed as a corporation.
You file certain federal tax returns, such as employment, excise, or alcohol, tobacco, and firearms returns.
You withhold taxes on income, other than wages, paid to a non-resident.

Even when it is not strictly required, most business owners get one anyway. A single-member LLC or sole proprietor can use an EIN instead of a Social Security number to open a business bank account, apply for business credit, and work with vendors, which keeps your personal SSN private. If you have already set up an LLC, getting an EIN is usually the next step.

How to get an EIN, step by step

Confirm your business is formed first. If you are creating an LLC or corporation, register the entity with your state before applying, because the EIN application asks for your legal business name and formation details.
Gather your information. You will need the legal name and address of the business, the name and Social Security number or ITIN of the "responsible party" (usually the owner), the type of entity, and the reason you are applying.
Apply online at IRS.gov. The IRS online EIN Assistant is the fastest route. It is open on weekdays during set hours, and you must complete it in one session. When you finish, you receive your EIN immediately and can download the confirmation letter.
Or apply by mail or fax. If you cannot use the online tool, you can submit Form SS-4 by fax, which typically takes about four business days, or by mail, which can take four weeks or more.
Save your confirmation. Store the EIN confirmation letter, known as the CP 575, somewhere safe. Banks and lenders often ask for it.

One limit to know: the IRS allows only one EIN per responsible party per day through the online system.

How to find your EIN if you've lost it

If you already have an EIN but cannot find it, check these places before calling the IRS:

The original CP 575 confirmation letter the IRS sent when you applied.
Old federal tax returns for the business.
A prior business bank account application or loan document, which usually lists it.
Payroll paperwork or a 1099 your business issued.

If none of those turn it up, you can call the IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line and verify your identity to retrieve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is getting an EIN free?

Yes. The IRS issues EINs at no cost through its online application, by fax, or by mail. Any service charging a fee is adding a markup on something you can do yourself for free.

How long does it take to get an EIN?

Applying online gives you the number immediately. Fax applications usually take about four business days, and mailed applications can take four weeks or longer.

Do I need an EIN for a single-member LLC?

Not always, but it is recommended. A single-member LLC with no employees can use the owner's Social Security number, but an EIN lets you open a business bank account and keep your personal SSN private, and you will need one if you hire employees or elect corporate taxation.

Can I use my Social Security number instead of an EIN?

A sole proprietor with no employees can, but it means giving out your personal SSN on business forms. Most owners get an EIN specifically to avoid that and to separate business and personal finances.

Sources

This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Confirm current IRS procedures at IRS.gov before applying.